Journey to the Fest: An invitation for students to dive into the world of Asian cinema at TIFF

Returning in autumn, the Asian Film Awards Academy is set to launch another Student Visit to the 38th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF), giving selected students a front-row seat to immerse themselves in the evolving Asian film industry.

Co-organized by the TIFF and supported by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong SAR's Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDAHK) and the Film Development Fund, the program will run from October 27 to November 5 in Tokyo.

In addition to sponsorship for local accommodation and round-trip airfare, participants will enjoy a wide range of festival activities, ranging from competitions, world premiere screenings, post-screening talks, masterclasses, thematic seminars, TIFFCOM (the Marketplace for Film & TV in Asia), and networking events with film professionals.

Launched in 2015, the “Journey to the Fest” program has brought over 100 students from Hong Kong and across Asia to renowned film festivals, including the Busan International Film Festival, Golden Horse Film Festival in Taiwan and the Singapore International Film Festival . 

Notably, a recent delegation of eight students attended the Far East Film Festival in Udine this April which received positive feedback. The students participated in various festival activities, including a special “Hong Kong Night” showcase that highlighted Hong Kong cinema to international audiences.

In addition to meetings with prominent Asian film figures such as Sylvia Chang, Tony Leung Ka-fai, Philip Yung, and Anthony Pun, the students engaged in in-depth conversations with directors like Lawrence Kan and Eric Tsang Hing-weng about their creative interests and career paths, receiving personalized advice from experienced filmmakers.

Following the delegation, many past participants of the observation group have remarked the program has not only broadened their horizons, but also introduced them to the wider professional landscape beyond filmmaking. 

Through rare exposure to programming, publicity, distribution, and international cultural promotion, students are presented with various career opportunities.

It is reported that many alumni have continued to pursue careers in the film and media industries, contributing to the development of Asian cinema.

Applications are open until 6pm on August 15, inviting undergraduate students aged 18 or above and postgraduate students who have attained a bachelor’s degree within the past two years, all with a strong interest in the film and media industry, to dive into the development of the Asian film industry.