The Asian Film Awards Academy (Academy or AFAA) announced three major Masterclass events at the 19th Asian Film Awards.
 
The program features HWANG Dong-hyuk, creator of the global phenomenon Squid Game; acclaimed director JIA Zhangke, whose works have been selected for Europe’s three major international film festivals; and legendary Asian actress ZHANG Ziyi, each leading a Masterclass session. Spanning acting, auteur filmmaking, and series creation, the three Masterclasses invite audiences to explore contemporary cinema from multiple perspectives.
 
AFAA also unveiled the Youth Ambassadors for this year’s Awards — three emerging Asian actors from different regions: Phiravich ATTACHITSATAPORN (Mean/Thailand), Natalie HSU (Hong Kong), and Kent TSAI (Taiwan). They will attend the Awards Ceremony, bringing together regions and generations of Asian cinema, and highlighting the new energy shaping its future.
 
Since 2023, the Asian Film Awards’ featured programs have received an enthusiastic response, with screenings and talks drawing strong interest and high demand. In addition to the Masterclasses, this year’s line-up will also include Asian Cinerama and a series of In Conversation events, with further details to be announced soon.
 
Limited-edition Masterclass package tickets, along with first-round tickets for the 19th Asian Film Awards, will go on sale at 11:00 on February 10, Tuesday*. Tickets are limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
 
Masterclass Series Outline
HWANG Dong-hyuk Masterclass (Creator of Netflix’s global hit Squid Game): March 15 (Sun), 13:00*
JIA Zhangke Masterclass (Turning Ordinary Lives into the Memory of an Era): March 15 (Sun), 15:30*
ZHANG Ziyi Masterclass (A Leading Chinese Actress on the Global Stage): March 15 (Sun), 18:00*
*Hong Kong Time
 

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Asian Film Awards (AFA)
The Asian Film Awards has been held since 2007, featuring distinguished awards such as Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actor/Actress. The voting panel, composed of nominees and winners from previous years, participates annually in selecting the winners across all categories for the Asian Film Awards. Panel members also have the opportunity to attend events organized by the Academy across Asia and worldwide, engaging with industry professionals and audiences.
afa-academy.com
 
ASIAN FILM AWARDS ACADEMY (AFAA)
The Asian Film Awards Academy, a non-profit organization, was founded by Busan, Hong Kong and Tokyo International Film Festivals with the shared goal of celebrating excellence in Asian cinema. Aiming to promote and recognize Asian films and its talents, AFAA highlights, strengthens and develops Asian film industry through the annual Asian Film Awards and several year-round initiatives.