Latest news with #AsianFilmAwardsAcademy
Khaleej Times
18-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Asian Film Awards 2025: Payal Kapadia's 'All We Imagine As Light' wins Best Film
Payal Kapadia movie All We Imagine As Light bagged a the 2025 Asian Film Awards, where her film ' All We Imagine As Light ' clinched the prestigious Best Film award. The 2025 Asian Film Awards, which celebrate the best of Asian cinema, took place on Sunday at the Xiqu Centre in Hong Kong's West Kowloon Cultural District. The film competed against strong contenders like Black Dog (China), Exhuma (South Korea), Teki Cometh (Japan), and Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In (Hong Kong). "Thank you so much to my lead actors -- three incredible artists and human beings. They are the ones who made this film what it is. I'm so happy that we could end our journey here in Hong Kong, a city that has meant a lot to me, watching the amazing films from this city over the years," said Kapadia from the stage inside Hong Kong's gleaming Xiqu Centre, where the ceremony was held. All We Imagine As Light stars Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, Chhaya Kadam, Anand Sami, and Hridhu Haroon. It follows the story of Prabha, a troubled nurse who receives an unexpected gift from her estranged husband, and her young roommate Anu, who seeks intimacy with her boyfriend. Their journey to a beach town forces them to confront their emotions and desires. The film is currently available for streaming on Disney+ Hotstar. Meanwhile, Shahana Goswami won the Best Actress award for her role in Santosh, directed by first-time filmmaker Sandhya Suri. The director also won the Best New Director award. Goswami, while expressing her gratitude, said, "I'd also like to thank myself. I feel like I'm always under-confident and never give myself enough credit, so I want to thank the Asian Film Awards Academy for giving me this vote of confidence." Directed by Sandhya Suri, the film stars Shahana as a driven young Hindu widow who inherits her husband's job as a police constable thanks to a government scheme. She finds herself caught up in institutional corruption even as she warms to working with the rough-edged veteran detective Inspector Sharma (Sunita Rajwar) on a brutal murder case involving a teenage girl from the lower-caste Dalit community. The film is an international co-production between the United Kingdom, India, Germany, and France.
The National
15-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Eight films screening at Cinema Akil's 2025 Hong Kong Film Festival
The Hong Kong Film Festival returns to Dubai's Cinema Akil this month for the fourth year. Selected films are presented by the Asian Film Awards Academy from March 22 to 28, and span romantic fantasy, classic movies and action genres. This year's event promises new discoveries from the Chinese region, as well as a classic to be appreciated on the big screen. Here are eight films screening at the cinema on Alserkal Avenue. Showing: March 22 at 8pm Directed by Ying-Ngai Ho and Thomas Chi-Wai Lee, this comedy tells the story of a grumpy old man who joins a team that rescues stray dogs from the streets. Hilarity ensues as the man's patience is tested. The film stars Lawrence Cheng, Amy Lo and Jay Fung. Showing: 4pm, March 23 Riley Yip directs this drama about a teenager who runs an illegal business selling lingerie. She is unpopular at her school and things become complicated when she gets closer to the customers she sells to. The film stars Marf Yau, Sheena Chan and Fruit Chan. Showing: 8.30pm, March 23 A young woman is tested emotionally after becoming a mother and upending her routine. This film addresses what the mother must contend with to take control of her life and find her identity again. The film is directed by Oliver Siu Kuen Chan and stars Hedwig Tam, Patra Au and Chun Yip Lo. Showing: March 24 at 8pm The classic of the selection, this film from 1993 is beloved in the wuxia (adventures of martial artists) genre. The film follows a young man who is set to become successor to his clan's throne, as he battles the powers of evil while falling in love with a female warrior. The film is directed by Ronny Yu and stars Brigitte Lin, Leslie Cheung and Francis Ng. Fun fact: the character of the female warrior in this film was the inspiration behind Xena: The Warrior Princess. Showing: 8pm, March 25 Lai-Yin Leung's Last Song for You is a touching romantic fantasy about the spirit of a deceased woman who is given the chance to reconnect with a past lover. The pair go on a journey through time and space. The film stars Ekin Cheng, Pak-Hong Chu and Cecilia Choi. Showing: 8pm, March 26 This action film by Anthony Pun focuses on the rescue and containment efforts by authorities following a fire at a recycling plant, which exposes the population to nuclear waste. The film follows several officials and firefighters as they work to prevent a massive disaster. Cesium Fallout stars one of Hong Kong cinema's most celebrated actors, Andy Lau, who famously appeared in Infernal Affairs. Showing: 8pm, March 27 Philip Yung directs Hong Kong film legend Ching-Wan Lau in Papa, a film about a man who must grapple with a heinous crime that his mentally unstable son commits against his own family. Alongside Lau, the film also stars Jo Koo, Fai-Hung Chan and Dylan So. Showing: 8pm, March 28 Directed by Anselm Chan, this drama follows a wedding planner who inadvertently becomes a funeral planner, and a good one at that. To continue in his new career, he must convince a Taoist priest that he is the best man for the job. The film stars Michael Hui, Dayo Wong and Michelle Wai.
What's On
13-03-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
Alternative cinema: The Hong Kong film festival is back at Cinema Akil
A taste of the cinematic world of Hong Kong at this film festival… The Hong Kong Film Festival is coming back to Dubai for a 4th edition as the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation (HKFGP), running from March 22 to 28 at Cinema Akil in Alserkal Avenue. Kicking off this weekend, this is your gateway into the alluring world of Hong Kong cinema, and your chance to explore the best of their captivating masterpieces. Presented by the Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA), in collaboration with Cinema Akil, the selection of films features 8 carefully curated ones, from gripping thrillers to thought-provoking dramas and narratives, and one classic. Be prepared to go through the entire range of emotions as you journey through the dynamic film industry of Hong Kong, with themes of loss, reconciliation, and survival, through the diverse genres that punctuate it. What's On at the festival? The 2025 ceremony will begin with a unique Iftar-style opening night ceremony on March 22, followed by a screening of An Abandoned Team (2024), directed by Thomas Lee and Daniel Ho. This drama explores themes of loneliness, redemption, and the unexpected bond between a man and a stray dog. Blossoms Under Somewhere (2024) by Riley Yip tells the story of Ching, a high school girl with a stutter, who, while running an online business, loses her only friendship in her pursuit of love. Montages of a Modern Motherhood (2024) by Oliver Siu Kuen Chan explores Suk Jing's journey through the challenges of balancing career, family expectations, and the emotional shifts that come with becoming a mother. In Papa (2024), Philip Yung follows a café owner struggling with guilt after his mentally unstable son commits a tragic act. Last Song for You (2024), directed by Lai-Yin Leung, focuses on a deceased woman reconnecting with her past lover to fulfill her wish of having her ashes scattered in Japan. Cesium Fallout (2024), directed by Anthony Pun, sees a team of government advisors, executives, and firefighters working to mitigate a radiation crisis in Hong Kong caused by illegal garbage smuggling. The Last Dance (2024) by Anselm Chan, follows a debt-ridden wedding planner turned funeral planner who must prove his legitimacy to continue his business. The festival will also feature The Bride with White Hair (1993), a Hong Kong classic by director Ronny Yu, offering audiences a nostalgic glimpse into the iconic martial arts fantasy genre. Given this exciting cultural fusion, movie buffs and cinema-goers will also get a chance to immerse themselves completely and connect with Hong Kong 's finest talent, directors and actors such as actress Sheena Chan from Blossoms Under Somewhere and director Oliver Siu Kuen Chan from Montages of a Modern Motherhood, through three post-screening Q&A sessions. The screenings are the highlight of the film festival, but it's not just about movie nights. Consider this programme a bridge between our world and the cinematic world of Hong Kong. These sessions will allow the audience to take the opportunity to delve into the creative minds behind the films and gain deeper insight into the filmmaking process. Tickets to the festival are available to purchase online, on the Cinema Akil website and are priced at Dhs56.50. There is also a season pass which gives you access to all the screenings, for which you can register Find the full schedule here. Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation, Cinema Akil, Alserkal Avenue, Mar 22 to 28, tickets at Dhs56.50, @cinemaakil Images: Supplied > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
