In his latest film, Tony Leung Ka-fai helps protect the Father of the Nation. For the fourth Asian Film Awards, Leung has been promoted to president. The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society, which organises the annual ceremony, has appointed the actor as jury president this year.

Leung will head the 13-member committee of film professionals in assessing nominees for the awards and be its spokesman. The March 22 ceremony will of course be in Hong Kong, timed to coincide with the film festival.

'In recent years, Asian films have played a significant role in the international film industry,' Leung says. 'I am amazed by the collective efforts of filmmakers this year. It was such a challenge to select the nominations from hundreds of superb films this year, which are all part of a display of exquisite talent in Asian film.'