ASEAN Film Festival 2024 immerses young people in Hong Kong in diverse cultural experiences through screenings of films from its 10 member nations
Aimed at bridging people in ASEAN, Hong Kong and mainland China, the organiser curated the ‘screening plus’ experience, featuring dialogue between the filmmakers, directors, actors and audiences.
The ASEAN Film Festival 2024 aimed to showcase the rich heritage and creative industries of ASEAN nations to the younger generation. Photo: HandoutAs an art form, cinema combines the artistry of storytelling, photography, music, and acting, among other things. Inaugurated in 2023, the ASEAN Film Festival (AFF) celebrates high-quality films made in the region. More importantly, it serves as a platform for fostering cultural exchange and building ties, enhancing mutual understanding between people in Hong Kong, mainland China, and those in the ASEAN region.
The second AFF, which kicked off in early September, wowed Hong Kong audiences and successfully concluded on September 28. The general public’s response was overwhelmingly positive, as they snapped up more than 3,500 tickets to the 20 free screenings and nine film crew sharing sessions held at various venues in the city.
AFF, a non-profit initiative, is spearheaded by the Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation Limited in collaboration with the Consulates-General of ASEAN countries in Hong Kong and more than 20 local and ASEAN partners.
The AFF has brought a breath of fresh air to Hong Kong’s cinematic experience. For the first time in the city, the festival showcased feature films from all 10 ASEAN countries, which included over 20 productions. It featured a curated selection of films by some of the region’s most talented directors and artists.
To further deepen the effort to promote cross-cultural exchange, filmmakers, directors, and cast members from nine showcased films participated in special sharing sessions organised during the festival. They engaged and connected with the audiences, including local youth and ASEAN students in Hong Kong.
Members of the audience said they had meaningful takeaways from the festival. A fourth-year journalism and communication student at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) surnamed Ho said the festival’s selected films represented fresh alternatives to productions made in Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea. “It was a great experience. I hope to watch more films made in ASEAN countries in the future,” Ho said.
Meanwhile, a third-year psychology student at CUHK surnamed Chan said she watched two films during the festival. “I could feel the unique atmosphere presented by these films,” she said. “The festival provided an opportunity for us to experience diverse cultures and see different perspectives.”
Film crew members shared views in Hong Kong
As part of the festival, the organiser brought to Hong Kong several members of the cast and crew of the touching Thai film How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies. The film’s director Pat Boonnitipat, screenwriter Thodsapon Thiptinnakorn, and lead actress Usha Seamkhum engaged in a cordial discussion with a group of journalists in the city and shared their insight and experience.
The film was inspired by the real-life experiences of Thiptinnakorn, who was surprised by its commercial success because family drama is not considered a “commercial genre.”
Meanwhile, the director said he was very excited to attend AFF as it was the first time he had been part of such a festival as a feature film director. “AFF is a great platform to introduce films made in ASEAN to a wider audience … I’m interested in collaboration with counterparts in Hong Kong and other countries. The fundamental thing is that [the potential collaborative project] has original ideas.”
Consuls-general of ASEAN countries heartened by cultural exchange through cinema
Ainatol Zahayu Mohammad
Dean of the ASEAN Consuls-General and the Consul General of Brunei Darussalam
“By harnessing the power of film as a universal language, the festival transcends borders and fosters connections among us all, thus creating an environment of understanding and appreciation.”
Yul Edison
Consul-General of the Republic of Indonesia
“AFF was a great platform for Indonesia’s filmmakers actively seeking opportunities for collaboration on innovative projects with their overseas counterparts. The festival would benefit our creative industry as well.”
Ammala Saenchonghack
Consul-General of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic
“The two Lao films featured in the festival highlighted our country’s efforts in preserving the countryside and promoting ecotourism.”
Muzambli Markam
Consul-General of Malaysia
“The festival is one of the best ways to promote Malaysia and the ASEAN region. I hope it helps audiences appreciate the rich cultural tapestry of the region.”
Germinia V Aguilar-Usudan
Consul-General of the Philippines
“The three selected films showcased Philippine traditions and values in a contemporary context, highlighting various aspects of our country’s culture and the diverse experiences of Filipinos today.”
Ong Siew Gay
Consul-General of Singapore
“The showcased films from Singapore highlighted the meaning of family, friendship, and loyalty that would resonate with many.”
Chaturont Chaiyakam
Consul-General of Thailand
“The film sector in Thailand aims to make our country a destination for international collaborative projects.”
Le Duc Hanh
Consul-General of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam
“The selected film brought to the Hong Kong audience the simple message of sharing our country’s culture, as well as the daily life and emotions of its people.”