The world of Asian cinema's finest achievements, honoring the luminaries and narratives that define our diverse cultural landscape

On March 10, 2024, the spotlight of Asian cinema was at the Xiqu Centre, Hong Kong, as the 17th Asian Film Awards dazzled with brilliance. Organized annually by the Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA), a non-profit organization founded by the Busan, Hong Kong, and Tokyo International Film Festivals, the event aimed to celebrate excellence in the Asian film industry and recognize the talents behind the silver screen.

The Asian Film Awards debuted in 2007 and has since become the pinnacle of recognition for Asian cinema. The awards encompass prestigious categories such as Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Actress, selected by AFAA members consisting of past nominees and winners.

This year, Japan stood out by clinching several major awards, including Best Film for "Evil Does Not Exist," Best Director for Kore-eda Hirokazu, and Best Actor for Yakusho Koji. However, Hong Kong also brought home several significant accolades. Nick Cheuk received the Best New Director award for his film "Time Still Turns The Pages," a drama depicting a high school teacher's attempt to help a suicidal student, inadvertently triggering his own childhood trauma.

Moreover, the renowned Chinese director Zhang Yimou was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contribution to Asian cinema. Zhang Yimou, who also received the Highest-Grossing Asian Film Award for his period comedy-drama "Full River Red," expressed gratitude for the recognition, sharing his insights on the role of Asian cinema on the global stage.

In addition to the competitive awards, the event also bestowed honorary awards upon individuals who have made significant contributions to Asian cinema. LEE Young-ae from South Korea and SUZUKI Ryohei from Japan received the Excellence in Asian Cinema awards, while Win Metawin from Thailand was awarded the AFA Rising Star Award and Zhao Liying from China was honored as the AFA Next Generation Award recipient.

The 17th Asian Film Awards not only served as a stage for awards but also as a platform where filmmakers and industry professionals gathered to celebrate the diversity of stories and excellence in Asian cinematic art. In his opening remarks, Dr. Wilfred Wong, Chairman of AFAA and Hong Kong International Film Festival Society, emphasized the theme "Together We Tell Story," calling for continued storytelling of Asian narratives to the world.

With the presence of stars and key figures from the Asian film industry, the 17th Asian Film Awards was not just an annual awards ceremony but also a moment to strengthen inter-country synergy in Asian cinema. The event celebrated remarkable achievements and inspired continued exploration of creative potential, enriching our understanding and appreciation of art and culture.

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