Building connections through cinema: The ASEAN Film Festival fosters ties between Hong Kong, its regional neighbours, and beyond
Powered by vibrant programming and cross-border partnerships, the ASEAN Film Festival 2025 celebrates global storytelling and spotlights Hong Kong’s pivotal role in connecting ASEAN economies, mainland China and Belt and Road countries.
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Beyond economics, efforts to enhance connections focus on promoting people-to-people ties through cultural exchanges, and tourism. Cinema, in particular, serves as a powerful tool for cross- cultural connection.
In line with China’s 14th Five-Year Plan, which envisions Hong Kong as a global arts and cultural hub, the Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation launched the ASEAN Film Festival (AFF) to elevate regional cinema and engage the city’s youth. Now entering its third edition, AFF extends its scope beyond the ten ASEAN member states to include Belt and Road partners such as Egypt, Hungary, Kazakhstan, and Türkiye, supported by the Belt and Road Office of the Hong Kong SAR Government.
An opening ceremony of AFF 2025 held in early August was attended by esteemed guests, including Mr Liu Guangyuan, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Mr Pan Yundong, Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR, Miss Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the HKSAR and other government officials, and the Consuls-General or representatives of 14 countries along with representatives from co- presenters, venue partners, and supporting organisations.
In her speech, Miss Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the HKSAR, said that the Festival served as a unique platform for dialogues and collaborations. She was pleased to see filmmakers, directors, and actors from some 10 featured films participating in the special sharing sessions, engaging with local youth and ASEAN students in Hong Kong. Such cultural exchange activities underscored Hong Kong’s steadfast dedication to strengthening connections with countries along the Belt and Road region, solidifying its role as the “super- connector” between the Mainland of China and the global community.
Sharing Miss Law’s sentiment, Mr Ong Siew Gay, Dean of the ASEAN Consuls-General said, “We need more exchanges of ideas and more international and regional collaboration to foster understanding and trust.” He added, “The Festival is instrumental in fostering a better appreciation of ASEAN societies and culture within Hong Kong, and this will position Hong Kong well in facilitating the development of China’s relationship with ASEAN.”
AFF 2025 is the result of cross-sector collaboration, involving the Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation, Consulates-General of 14 participating nations, and a wide array of cultural institutions. Co-presenters include the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, M+, and Asia Society Hong Kong Center.
Mr Daryl Ng, Chairman of the Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation, expressed gratitude for the invaluable support from the Consuls- General from 14 countries and over 40 partners for the third edition of the ASEAN Film Festival. He emphasised that through the universal language of film, the Festival aims to transcend borders, spark dialogue, and deepen mutual understanding. These stories celebrate shared values and strengthen connections among diverse communities.
Running from August 7 to 31, AFF 2025 presents a compelling lineup of 24 feature films spanning genres such as drama, comedy, mystery, and action. Free to the public and hosted across multiple Hong Kong venues, the festival is positioned to transform cinema into a bridge for cultural understanding, regional connectivity, and sectoral growth in film, tourism, and the creative industries. The distribution of 3,500 free tickets has met with enthusiastic public response.
Interactive components such as post-screening discussions with directors and industry professionals offer deeper engagement with the creative process and thematic elements. Notably, the Consuls-General of participating countries were personally involved in the film selection process, ensuring authentic representation.
“Gold”, one of the Malaysian entries, celebrates diversity through the story of a world-class athlete with a disability. “It also reflects Malaysia’s values and resonates across ASEAN, Hong Kong, and beyond – where family, friendship, and sportsmanship are deeply cherished,” Ms Nur’Amirah Mohamad, Acting Consul-General of Malaysia said.
From Cambodia comes “Killing Time Violently”, a compelling narrative chosen by Mr Yos Sokhemrin, Consul-General of Cambodia. The film explores the struggles of a man confronting societal challenges. “His journey of sacrifice and engagement offers a nuanced lens into Cambodian society,” he said.
“Nuansang, the Heart of the Teacher” sheds light on the crucial role educators play in shaping young lives in Laos, which continues to cope with post-war challenges. “By sharing this film with Hong Kong audiences, we invite reflection on both our similarities and differences, and on Hong Kong and Laos as key connectors within ASEAN and the region,” noted Mr Ammala Saenchonghack, Consul-General of Laos.
Screened internationally, “Out of the Nest” is an animated feature tracing the friendship and aspirations of a boy who dreams of becoming a world-renowned hairdresser. Ms Ranida Chamchalerm, Acting Consul-General of Thailand, said, “Co-produced by Thai and Chinese companies, the film reflects both countries’ strengths – Thailand’s storytelling and China’s innovations in IT and AI – combined to elevate Asian animation.”
Mr Romulo Victor M. Israel Jr, Consul-General of the Philippines, introduced “A Divine Comedy” as a lighthearted exploration of the Philippines’ colonial past and present through the experiences of three priests. “It bridges history and modernity, inviting viewers to reflect on how the answers we seek today may already be found in our shared experience.”
Mrs Le Duc Hanh, Consul-General of Vietnam, believes “Peach Blossom, Pho and Piano” beautifully captures the artistic and romantic rhythm of everyday life in Vietnam. It portrays a generation of French-educated intellectuals united across social classes during the resistance war. “It expresses a collective longing for peace and love that transcended boundaries,” she said.
Türkiye’s entry, “Champion”, delves into the nation’s deep-rooted equestrian traditions. “Horses remain a powerful symbol of our culture,” noted Mr Kerim Sercan Evcin, Consul-General of Türkiye. “Resonant with many audience members, the film interweaves this legacy with the excitement of horse racing.”
Dr Olga Gégény, Acting Consul-General of Hungary, expressed her enthusiasm for “Our Blossom”, a Hungarian-Vietnamese co-production that exemplifies the transformative power of cultural exchange.
Mr Yul Edison, Consul-General of Indonesia, reflected on the growth of AFF. “It has evolved significantly, from a regular platform showcasing ASEAN cinema to an enduring conduit for cultural exchange and deeper connections between Indonesia, Hong Kong, and beyond.”
Buoyed by strong public response, AFF 2025 will continue to engage local audiences with compelling storytelling and cinematic artistry from diverse cultures across the region and BRI partner countries.