ASEAN Film Festival 2025 Launches This August Featuring Films from Belt and Road Countries for the First Time Deepening Conversations between Cultures through the Power of Film

From 7 to 31 August, over 20 films will be screened for free
Tickets are now available on the official AFF website

HONG KONG, July 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation (HKAF) is delighted to announce the third edition of the ASEAN Film Festival (AFF), featuring over 20 acclaimed films from various countries, running from 7 to 31 August. As ASEAN is a vital partner in the Belt and Road Initiative, this year's festival will also showcase outstanding works from four Belt and Road countries — Egypt, Hungary, Kazakhstan, and Türkiye — for the first time. In addition to bringing together the ten ASEAN member countries, the festival aims to foster cross-cultural connections and people-to-people exchanges. Filmmakers and directors from around ten highlighted films will engage in special sharing sessions with local youth and ASEAN students in Hong Kong, enriching the viewing experience and enhancing their understanding of different countries.

Broaden cultural horizons through a month-long cinematic journey

This year's selection provides Hong Kong audiences with a vibrant mix of genres and storytelling traditions, ranging from heartwarming comedies and inspiring dramas to thrilling mysteries and intense action. The 24 selected films showcase the soft power of filmmakers from diverse regions and highlight their significant contributions to the international film and creative cultural industry. Through the festival, the Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation hopes to encourage Hong Kong audiences — especially the younger generation — to appreciate the rich and diverse cinematic works from ASEAN and Belt and Road countries, while exploring the profound and vibrant cultural heritage of these nations.

'Films serve as a cultural medium that transcends geographical boundaries, conveying diverse stories with a shared emotional bond. This year, we are truly honoured to continue presenting exciting films from the ten ASEAN countries to our audiences in Hong Kong, and for the first time, to feature works from four Belt and Road countries. Their participation enriches the festival, sparking new exchanges and creative connections across borders. This further highlights Hong Kong's unique charm as a cultural hub, and reinforces the city's vital role as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" between Mainland China and the international community,' says Mr Daryl Ng, Chairman of Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation. 'We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the consuls-general for their invaluable support in selecting representative films, as well as to the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, M+, the Asia Society Hong Kong Center, the Belt and Road Office of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, and other esteemed partners, for their support and insights. Through these collective efforts, we hope to provide Hong Kong audiences with a richer array of film arts, enhancing our cultural perspectives and allowing the younger generation to appreciate the essence of cultures from ASEAN and Belt and Road countries.'

AFF 2025 is a collaborative endeavour involving the Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation, the Consulates -General of the 14 countries in Hong Kong, and various partners across multiple sectors. Co-presenters include the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, M+ and Asia Society Hong Kong Center. Supporting organisations comprise the Belt and Road Office of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, the Financial Services Development Council, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, InvestHK, Our Hong Kong Foundation, and various chambers and associations.

Showcasing Cultural Diversity and Enhancing Regional Connectivity

In recent years, the HKSAR Government has introduced various initiatives to promote economic and cultural cooperation between Hong Kong and ASEAN. Against this backdrop of strong collaboration, the AFF enters its third edition, now featuring films from an additional four Belt and Road countries, supported by the Belt and Road Office of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau. The event aims to use film as a bridge to foster cross-cultural connections, broaden humanistic perspectives, and strengthen regional connectivity and mutual understanding, contributing to the development of cultural, tourism, and film industries across regions. AFF 2025 will offer a month of free screenings at multiple venues across Hong Kong, along with post-screening discussions featuring filmmakers who will share their creative visions and behind-the-scenes stories. Some sessions will also include local film industry professionals, in collaboration with the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, encouraging meaningful cross-regional dialogue and creative exchange.

Many of the featured directors and actors from ASEAN and Belt and Road countries have garnered international recognition for their creativity and unique storytelling techniques. Among the curated highlights are award-winning blockbusters such as 'Ah Boys to Men 3: Frogmen' (Singapore), which set a record for Singapore's opening week box office, and the 4K restored version of Thailand's classic box office hit 'My Girl' (Thailand). Audiences will be moved by emotional stories like 'Falling in Love Like in Movies' (Indonesia), 'Nuansang: The Heart of Teacher' (Laos), and 'If My Lover Were a Flower' (Myanmar). The festival also presents a powerful autobiographical story, 'Champion' (Türkiye), an epic tale of love, sacrifice, betrayal, and redemption, 'Samsara' (Indonesia), and a stirring tale of female leadership and courage, 'Tomiris' (Kazakhstan). Notably, AFF 2025 features two cross-country collaborations — 'Out of the Nest' (Thailand and Mainland China) and 'Our Blossom' (Hungary and Vietnam) — highlighting the creative synergy between regions with distinct yet interconnected cultural identities and celebrating the universal language of film.

Starting today, the public is invited to visit the official AFF 2025 website to register for free entry tickets, available on a first-come, first-served basis. For full details on the featured films and screening schedule, please refer to the appendix or explore the AFF 2025 website: .

Introductory video of AFF 2025: https://youtu.be/eZ79PG474cI?si=CasUZdyU3gUtcRaO

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Sharing from AFF 2025 Partners:

AFF 2025 is a collaborative endeavour involving the Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation, the Consulates-General of the 14 countries in Hong Kong, and various partners across multiple sectors. (Pictured from left to right) Mr Nicholas Ho Lik-Chi, Commissioner for Belt and Road of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau of the HKSAR Government; Mr Ammala Saenchonghack, Consul-General of Laos in Hong Kong; Mr Ong Siew Gay, Consul-General of Singapore in Hong Kong; Mrs Le Duc Hanh, Consul-General of Vietnam in Hong Kong; Ms Ranida Chamchalerm, Acting Consul-General of Thailand in Hong Kong; Ms Nur'Amirah Mohamad, Acting Consul-General of Malaysia in Hong Kong; Mr Romulo Victor M. Israel Jr., Consul-General of the Philippines in Hong Kong; Mr Kerim Sercan Evcin, Consul-General of Türkiye in Hong Kong; Mr Charles Chia, CEO of Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation

Mr Nicholas Ho Lik-Chi, Commissioner for Belt and Road of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau of the HKSAR Government

ASEAN Film Festival exemplifies the perfect alignment to Hong Kong's role as a super connector by fostering meaningful people-to-people bonds through the universal medium of film. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong, and we're very glad that this year the ASEAN Film Festival has added a Belt and Road flavour to it and expanded this people-to-people celebration. The Belt and Road Initiative is fundamentally about connectivity, emphasising heart-to-heart connections and celebrating the expansion of these connections across the Belt and Road region, from Central Asia to West Asia and North Africa.

Mr Yos Sokhemrin, Consul-General of Cambodia in Hong Kong

This film, 'Killing Time Violently',offers a compelling story of a gentleman navigating the challenges of Cambodian society, highlighting both its strengths and struggles. With its unique title, I hope it will engage the Hong Kong audience and resonate with the Cambodian community in Hong Kong, providing a fresh perspective on life to all.

Dr Olga Gégény, Acting Consul-General of Hungary in Hong Kong

We are delighted that Hungary is included in this year's ASEAN Film Festival under the theme Belt and Road Celebration. I am also excited to highlight the film 'Our Blossom', a Hungarian-Vietnamese co-production that exemplifies the power of cultural exchange.

Mr Yul Edison, Consul-General of Indonesia in Hong Kong

I strongly believe that the ASEAN Film Festival has flourished immensely. It has grown from the regular platform showcasing ASEAN movies as well as fostering the cultural exchange and connections between Indonesia,Hong Kong (China), and beyond. Four Indonesian movies will be screened in the ASEAN Film Festival this year, including 'Samsara', 'Falling in Love Like in Movie', 'Stealing Raden Saleh', and 'A Brother and 7 Siblings'.

Mr Ammala Saenchonghack, Consul-General of Laos in Hong Kong

This year, we present the 'Nuansang: The Heart of Teacher'at the film festival, highlighting the vital role of educators in Laos. As we promote people-to-people connections through cultural exchange, we hope to deepen understanding between Hong Kong (China) and Laos, showcasing both our similarities and differences as we work together to empower the next generation through education.

Ms Nur'Amirah Mohamad, Acting Consul-General of Malaysia in Hong Kong

The ASEAN Film Festival has become a marquee event in Hong Kong, showcasing films that emphasise cultural exchange. This year, we present 'Gold', an inspiring story of resilience in badminton, and 'Abang Long Fadil 3', a blend of action and comedy that connects with our youth. Through these films, we celebrate family, friendship, and the unique power of cinema to bring people closer.

Mr Romulo Victor M. Israel Jr., Consul-General of the Philippines in Hong Kong

'A Divine Comedy'presents a light-hearted exploration of the Philippines' colonial past and its relevance today through the eyes of three priests. By juxtaposing history and modernity, we hope to inspire viewers to reflect on their own journeys, recognising that the lessons of the past can guide us in addressing present-day challenges. We want to showcase how this experience can transcend geographical boundaries and can apply to Filipinos and Hongkongers alike.

Mr Ong Siew Gay, Consul-General of Singapore in Hong Kong

The increasing number of films in the ASEAN Film Festival truly reflects Hong Kong's growing interest in ASEAN and Belt and Road countries. This year, we have two Singaporean films being presented. The first film, 'Long Long Time Ago', is a poignant story set during the 1960s, highlighting the story of Singapore's urbanisation through the story of the family. The second film, 'Ah Boys to Men 3: Frogmen', is more light-hearted but provides a look into a very interesting aspect of Singaporean society – national service. As we celebrate SG60 this year, we hope to share this meaningful celebration with Hong Kong audiences, through the medium of film.

Ms Ranida Chamchalerm, Acting Consul-General of Thailand in Hong Kong

This year, we are excited to showcase three diverse films at the festival, including the popular animated feature Out of the Nest, the nostalgic romantic comedy 'Fan Chan'(My Girl), and the unique '404 Run Run', blending romance with supernatural elements. These selections reflect the richness of Thai cinema andoffer Hong Kong audiences a chance to explore our culture and storytelling.

Mr Kerim Sercan Evcin, Consul-General of Türkiye in Hong Kong

Cinema is a powerful tool for cultural exchange, connecting people and fostering understanding between distant societies. Our film will be able to showcase to Hong Kong audiences the culture and the nuances of the society in Türkiye through a common topic of horse racing and equestrian sport. We also want to showcase that Türkiye is a fertile land where East meets West, another commonality that we have with Hong Kong, which is a super connector in the Belt and Road Initiative, allowing us to explore our shared experiences through stories like that of the legendary racehorse.

Mrs Le Duc Hanh, Consul-General of Vietnam in Hong Kong

This year, we present auniquelyselected film titled 'Peach Blossom, Pho and Piano'. The film beautifully intertwines themes of hope and unity through the symbolism of peach blossoms and showcases an important time in Vietnamese history. We hope to share this rich narrative with audiences in Hong Kong and further increase their understanding of Vietnamese culture and society.