At a press conference in Hong Kong on February 25, 2015, the Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA) announced the nominees for the 9th Asian Film Awards (AFA). Forty-two films from eight countries and regions received a total 74 nominations. This year, the AFA received over 1,000 eligible films from 34 countries across Asia.
 
In a parallel announcement, the AFAA revealed that internationally acclaimed film director and producer Ms. Mabel CHEUNG Yuen-ting has been appointed as this year’s AFA Jury President, while established leading man Mr. Aaron KWOK Fu-shing will serve as a Celebrity Jury member.
 
Said Ms. Mable Cheung Yuen-ting: “The Asian Film Awards is a formidable exercise. Each film has its own strengths fueled by the filmmakers’ passion, creative styles and captivating stories. With the high standard of work on display, we recognize the responsibility and challenge involved in voting for the winners.”
 
Mr. Aaron Kwok Fu-shing stated: “As an actor who has participated in many Asian movies, mainly those ones in Greater China, it is indeed a delight to witness the rise of Asian films and their positive reception worldwide. The Asian Film Awards is a brilliant platform for the Asian film industry to make positive progress as well as to encourage aspiring film professionals.”
 
The AFA Jury comprises 14 respected film industry professionals and critics who will select outstanding Asian works of the year to be recognized by one of the most prestigious film awards in the world today. From Japan, Mr. Kenji Ishizaka, the programming director of ‘Asian Future’ section of Tokyo International Film Festival, and Mr. Tetsuya Bessho, actor and founder of the Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia, will serve as Jury members.
 
Since 2007, the AFA has sought to highlight the best in Asian cinema to the world, and to promote Asian film culture both regionally and internationally. Beginning in 2014, the Tokyo International Film Festival became a partner of the Asian Film Awards Academy, along with the Hong Kong International Film Festival and Busan International Film Festival, to promote, develop and enrich Asian Cinema.
 
“The developing network of filmmakers and film industries in the Asia-Pacific will strengthen the AFA and drive the globalization of Asian films,” said Dr. Wilfred WONG Ying-wai, Chairman of the AFA Academy and the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society. “We greatly appreciate the support of our Japanese and Korean founding partners in helping to enhance recognition, cultivation and promotion of Asian films on the world stage.”
 
Sponsored by Sands Resorts Cotai Strip Macao and The Venetian® Macao and with Cotai Water Jet as the Official Ferry Operator, the 9th Asian Film Awards will be held at The Venetian Theatre, one of the region’s most luxurious entertainment venues, on March 25, 2015 (Wednesday).
 
Asian Film Awards (www.asianfilmawards.asia)
*Click here for the Nomination List for the 9th Asian Film Awards