37 Asian films vie for 4th Asian Film Awards

The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (HKIFFS) announced nominees in the 14 categories of the 4th annual Asian Film Awards (AFA), which will take place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 22 March 2010.

The 4th AFA will mark the opening gala of Entertainment Expo Hong Kong which features the 34th Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) and the 8th Hong Kong –

Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF).

Organized by the HKIFFS and

sponsored by the Film Development Fund and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the AFA celebrates excellence in Asian

cinema produced in 2009. Outstanding films and filmmakers across Asia will compete in 14 categories: Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Newcomer, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Screenwriter, Best

Cinematographer, Best Production Designer, Best Composer, Best Editor, Best Visual Effects, plus a new category, Best Costume Designer.

This year, internationally renowned actor Tony Leung Ka-fai will assume the role of jury president. Consisting of 13 film professionals with internationally recognized experience and expertise in cinema from 13 territories and countries, the jury

screened through hundreds of eligible films submitted throughout the region. Up to

six nominees in each category have been selected and the full list of nominations includes 37 Asian films.

The organizers of the AFA expanded the number of entries this year by widening the

film submission, enabling all filmmakers from around the globe to submit their works directly or through official submission organizations. The organizers of the AFA recognized the increasing number of outstanding films being created and sought to meet the growing demands of filmmakers participating in the AFA.

“Now in its fourth year, the AFA continues to make its mark as the ultimate recognition of film talent in Asia,” said Mr. Wilfred Wong, Chairman of the HKIFFS. “2009 was another great year for the film industry and the AFA is proud to be recognized as a global platform for the recognition of the best of Asian cinema. We sincerely congratulate all the nominees this year.”

Asian Film Awards (AFA) Inaugurated in 2007, the Asian Film Awards (AFA) is an international pioneering programme, honouring filmmakers with outstanding achievements in the field of Asian cinema. Eminent filmmakers and superstars from around the world are invited to bestow awards upon winners of each category, making the ceremony an elaborate extravaganza. A jury panel, comprising of international professionals and prominent members in the community of world cinema, will select the award winners among eligible films produced in the region in that year. Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF) Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF) is widely recognized as one of the most important film-financing platforms in Asia. HAF brings Asian filmmakers with upcoming film projects to Hong Kong for co-production ventures with top film financiers, producers, investors, distributors and buyers. Attended by 1,000 filmmakers and financiers, more than 20 projects are selected to participate in this three-day event. The 8th HAF will be held from 20 – 24 March 2010.