New York Asian Film Festival Unveils First Wave of 2024 Lineup

The New York Asian Film Foundation, in collaboration with Film at Lincoln Center, has announced the initial lineup for the 23rd New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF), set to take place from July 12 to 28.

Photo byLincoln Film Center

This year’s festival promises a showcase with a record 90 world, international, and North American premieres, alongside a host of celebrated industry guests and 20 feature debuts.

Festival director Samuel Jamier described the event as a "blockbuster year," highlighting the diverse and groundbreaking nature of the selected films.

“Asian films are evolving, and this festival is where the cutting-edge storytelling and audacious creativity are most vibrant,” Jamier noted. “We have more fresh faces than a K-pop band, and it’s going to be an electrifying experience for everyone.”

Highlights of the Festival Include:

• Record-Breaking Premieres: With 90 premieres, NYAFF 2024 will present the latest in Asian cinema, offering an unparalleled glimpse into contemporary trends and talents.
• Feature Debuts: A significant focus is on new voices, with 20 feature film debuts, the largest lineup of newcomers in the festival’s history.
• Diverse Themes: The lineup features an enhanced number of films exploring LGBTQ+ themes, showcasing significant entries in queer cinema.

Key Screenings and Special Presentations:

• Opening Night: The festival kicks off on July 12 with the world premiere of Victory, a cheerleading epic by Park Beom-su. The film, combining elements of high school drama and social critique, stars Lee Hye-ri and Park Se-wan.
• Hong Kong Panorama: The section will highlight Hong Kong’s cinematic heritage with a selection including Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In, directed by Soi Cheang, and a spotlight on Ray Yeung’s LGBTQ+ films.
• Thai Treasures: Presented with the Thailand Creative Culture Agency, this section will showcase a variety of Thai films, including Not Friends, a teen saga, and Supposed, the haunting final film from Thanakorn Pongsuwan.
• Taiwan Transcendent: Supported by the Taipei Cultural Center of TECO in New York, this segment celebrates Taiwanese cinema with films like Breaking and Re-entering and Suffocating Love.
• Korean Frontlines: Co-presented with the Korean Cultural Center New York, this section includes the world premiere of The Killers, featuring contributions from multiple directors.
• Japanorama: Highlighted by the presence of Kento Yamazaki, this section will feature films like Kingdom: Return of the Great General and Yin Yang Master Zero, the latter being a major fantasy film directed by Shimako Sato.

Festival Details and Ticket Information:

Tickets for the festival will go on sale starting June 20 at 2 pm ET. General admission tickets are priced at $19, with discounts available for students, seniors, and persons with disabilities. Early access for Film at Lincoln Center members begins at noon on June 20. Special events and premium screenings have their own pricing, with Opening Night and other key screenings available for additional purchase.