Hong Kong becomes a vibrant cinematic hub this August as the ASEAN Film Festival (AFF) returns for its third edition. Running from 7 to 31 August 2025, the festival will screen 24 films from 14 countries, including four Belt and Road partners — Egypt, Hungary, Kazakhstan, and Türkiye for the first time.
Organised by the Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation with the Consulates-General of the 14 countries, government bodies, and sector partners, AFF 2025 offers a platform for cultural dialogue showcasing the rich tapestry of ASEAN and Belt and Road nations. The films invite audiences into the lives, dreams, and histories of diverse communities, bridging distance through story and screen.
This year’s theme, A Belt and Road Celebration, marks the 10th anniversaries of both the Belt and Road Summit and the Belt and Road Office in Hong Kong. Including Belt and Road works underscores Hong Kong’s role as a super connector and the value of cultural exchange in fostering cooperation.
Film industry professionals from ASEAN countries gathered alongside distinguished guests of honour and HK-ASEAN Foundation Advisory Council Members, celebrating the vibrant cinematic diversity of ASEAN.
An opening ceremony was held on 7 August, which 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, and the Consuls-General or Acting Consuls-General from 14 countries.
Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law stated in her speech that the festival served as a unique platform for dialogue and collaborations. She added that such cultural exchange activities aligned perfectly with the HKSAR Government’s strategic vision to establish Hong Kong as a leading East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, solidifying its role as the “super-connector” between the Mainland of China and the global community.
“We need more exchanges of ideas and more international and regional collaboration to foster understanding and trust. 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,” said Dean of the ASEAN Consuls-General and Consul-General of Singapore Ong Siew Gay.
During the opening ceremony, ASEAN Consuls-General or representatives, along with distinguished officials, gathered to cut the cake in celebration of ASEAN Day, commemorating unity, friendship, and regional collaboration.
Commissioner for Belt and Road Nicholas Ho said, “This Festival embodies the spirit of communication and connection, reminding us that culture and creativity are living among us. At the core of the Belt and Road Initiative lies a commitment to people-to-people bonds. The ASEAN Film Festival exemplifies this beautifully, showcasing films that resonate deeply with audiences and serve as bridges across cultures, and ultimately touch our souls.”
Chairman of the Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation Daryl Ng 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.
Exploring cultural diversity through the lens
The festival’s lineup spans romance, action, historical drama, and humour, with films curated in consultation with the Consuls-General or Acting Consuls-General.
From Malaysia come two contrasting titles: Gold, the inspiring biopic of para-badminton champion Cheah Liek Hou, and the action-comedy Abang Long Fadil 3. Acting Consul-General Nur’Amirah Mohammad said the films showcase Malaysian values of family, friendship, and sportsmanship.
Mr Cheah Liek Hou, whose story inspired the film Gold, encouraged young audiences with his personal story of perseverance.
The programme then moves south to Indonesia, where music, romance, and drama converge in Samsara, a live cine-concert; the romantic comedy Falling in Love Like in Movies; and the dramas Stealing Raden Saleh and A Brother and 7 Siblings. Consul-General Yul Edison highlighted their role as channels for cultural exchange.
Thailand offers humour, romance, and the supernatural in Out of the Nest, My Girl, and 404 Run Run. Acting Consul-General Ranida Chamchalerm views them as reflections of Thailand’s cultural richness and emotional depth.
Vietnam brings a poignant tone with Peach Blossom, Pho and Piano, set during Hanoi’s 1946 resistance. Consul-General Le Duc Hanh said the peach blossom symbolises hope and resilience.
The Philippines lightens the mood with A Divine Comedy, where three colonial-era priests land in modern Manila. Consul-General Romulo Victor M. Israel Jr. sees its humour as a lens on colonial memory and identity.
Singapore shifts the pace with Long Long Time Ago, chronicling a family’s rural-to-urban journey, paired with Ah Boys to Men 3: Frogmen, a comedic take on national service. Together, they chart a nation’s evolving spirit.
Making its festival debut, Hungary presents Our Blossom, a poetic intergenerational love story. Acting Consul-General Olga Gegeny described it as a celebration of memory and connection bridging Hungarian and Asian audiences.
From Central Europe, Türkiye offers Champion, the true story of a racehorse whose triumphs became a national legend. Consul-General Kerim Sercan Evcin said it embodies resilience and the nation’s East–West identity.
Cambodia’s Killing Time Violently follows an estranged father drawn back into the underworld. Consul-General Yos Sokhemrin called it a portrait of modern challenges and redemption.
Laos joins the journey with Nuansang: The Heart of Teacher, about a young educator in a post-war rural village. Consul-General Ammala Saenchonghack sees it as a tribute to education’s transformative power—a reminder that stories can heal, inspire, and connect across all places.
Beyond screenings, several films feature post-show dialogues with filmmakers, consuls, and students to deepen cross-cultural understanding, foster creative exchange, and inspire Hong Kong’s next generation of storytellers.
