About the event
The Asian Film Awards return with a compelling line-up of internationally acclaimed filmmakers and artists in attendance. Presented by the Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA) and supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) and the Film Development Fund, AFAA today announces three major Masterclass events at the 19th Asian Film Awards.
The programme features HWANG Dong-hyuk, creator of the global phenomenon Squid Game; acclaimed director JIA Zhangke, whose works have been selected for Europe’s three major international film festivals; and legendary Asian actress ZHANG Ziyi, each leading a Masterclass session. Spanning acting, auteur filmmaking, and series creation, the three Masterclasses invite audiences to explore contemporary cinema from multiple perspectives.
AFAA also unveiled the Youth Ambassadors for this year’s Awards — three emerging Asian actors from different regions: Phiravich ATTACHITSATAPORN (Mean), Natalie HSU, and Kent TSAI. They will attend the Awards Ceremony, bringing together regions and generations of Asian cinema, and highlighting the new energy shaping its future.
Since 2023, the Asian Film Awards’ featured programmes have received an enthusiastic response, with screenings and talks drawing strong interest and high demand. In addition to the Masterclasses, this year’s line-up will also include Asian Cinerama and a series of In Conversation events, with further details to be announced soon.
Limited Edition Special Package Ticket along with first-round tickets, will go on sale at 11:00 on 10 February. There is early bird price for Limited Edition Special Package Ticket until 28 February 2026. Tickets are limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Masterclass: ZHANG Ziyi
A Leading Chinese Actress on the Global Stage
When speaking of ZHANG Ziyi, audiences often recall her iconic performances in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and The Grandmaster. Yet even before these landmark works, she had already brought depth and strength to her portrayals of Chinese women on screen. Early in her career, she demonstrated an exceptional ability to inhabit demanding roles. In Jasmine Women, she played three characters across three generations, capturing the evolving struggles and resilience of women within modern Chinese history. Through such performances, the international film community recognised a new generation of Chinese actresses capable of shaping history through character.
At a time when the global film industry remained largely male-dominated, ZHANG established her place through discipline, conviction and artistic authority. She went on to secure a prominent international standing, serving repeatedly as a juror at major film festivals — a reflection of her global recognition and influence.
In this upcoming masterclass, she will discuss how she approaches character-building to challenge expectations and expand the narrative space for Chinese actresses on the world stage.
Masterclass Series Details
Venue
Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre, WestK
(4/F, 88 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui (MTR Austin Station, Exit E))
Schedule
AFA19 HWANG Dong-hyuk Masterclass: 15 March, 13:00
AFA19 JIA Zhangke Masterclass: 15 March, 15:30
AFA19 ZHANG Ziyi Masterclass & Awards Ceremony: 15 March, 18:00
● HWANG Dong-hyuk Masterclass: Presented in Korean with English & Cantonese translation; duration approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
● JIA Zhangke Masterclass: Presented in Mandarin with English translation; duration approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
● ZHANG Ziyi Masterclass & Awards Ceremony: Presented in Mandarin with English translation; duration approximately 2 hours 15 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.
● One ticket per person. Valid admission tickets must be presented upon entry to the venue.
● Children under 6 are not admitted.
● Venue management reserves the right to deny entry to latecomers. Latecomers may only be admitted at an appropriate break.
● No smoking or eating.
● No unauthorised filming, photography, video, audio recording or use any form of recording of a visual image or sound is allowed.
● Ticket holders must comply with all other venue regulations.
● The Asian Film Awards Academy reserves the right to change the programme, guests in attendance, schedule, or seating arrangements/availability. Any changes may be made without prior notice.
Ticketing Information
First-Round Tickets go on sale from 10 February 11:00 via art-mate online ticketing platform*.
Limited Edition Special Package Ticket: Early Bird Discount HKD 380** (Original Price: HKD $480) (Includes 1 admission ticket + 1 limited-edition gift set)
Regular Ticket: HKD 160
Discount Ticket: HKD 80***
* Service fee will be charged by the art-mate online ticketing platform.
** Early Bird price valid until 28 February 2026. From 1 March 2026, tickets will be sold at the original price. The limited-edition gift set features exclusive commemorative items (collectible poster, postcards, enamel pin, etc.). Limited quantities available — while stocks last.
*** Concessionary tickets are available for full-time students and senior citizens aged 60 or above. Concession ticket holders must present valid proof of identity or age upon entry. Concession tickets for students and senior citizens are available in limited quantities and while stocks last. The concession applies to regular tickets only.
^ Seat selection is not available at the time of purchase. The ticketing system will automatically assign the best available seats. Programme details and seat numbers will be delivered three days prior to the event.
^^ Tickets can be reserved for wheelchair users by phone at 31950602 (Monday to Friday, 11:00-18:00) starting from the first counter sale day. No service fee will be charged and payment will be arranged accordingly.
About the organizer
The Asian Film Awards Academy, a non-profit organization, was founded by Busan, Hong Kong and Tokyo International Film Festivals with the shared goal of celebrating excellence in Asian cinema. Aiming to promote and recognize Asian films and its talents, AFAA highlights, strengthens and develops Asian film industry through the annual Asian Film Awards and several year-round initiatives.
Our year-round events and programmes are held with the objectives to promote Asian films to a wider audience, expand the film market within Asia, and build and sustain connections among Hong Kong and international film professional. Masterclass Series – in conversation with filmmakers, Journey to the fest – Student Visit to International Film Festivals, Asian Cinerama – Film Roadshow, and Young Film Professionals Programme – overseas training and work-placement, are examples of our year-round programmes. These programmes couldn’t have held successfully without the financial support of the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency and Film Development Fund of the HKSAR Government. AFAA has worked to promote, educate, inform and develop knowledge, skills and interest in Asian cinema among the industry, students and audiences in Asia and beyond with the support of film festivals and cultural organizations.