New York, NY – June 15, 2023: The highly anticipated New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF) has recently announced its impressive first wave of films for its 22nd edition, set to kick off on July 14, 2023.
Organized by the New York Asian Film Foundation and Film at Lincoln Center, this year’s festival promises to be an unforgettable celebration of Asian cinema, featuring over 60 new and classic titles, an expanded selection of short films, and a lineup of distinguished guests from Asia and its diaspora. Running from July 14 to July 30, 2023, the festival will primarily take place at the renowned Film at Lincoln Center (FLC) in New York City, with a special weekend of screenings from July 21 to July 23 at the historic Barrymore Film Center in Fort Lee, New Jersey, the birthplace of the American motion picture industry.
The first wave of the NYAFF 2023 lineup boasts an impressive selection of 43 feature films and 20 short films, with more titles expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Showcasing the rich diversity and talent of Asian cinema, the lineup covers a wide range of countries and genres, ensuring there’s something for every film enthusiast. From China to Hong Kong, Japan to the Philippines, Singapore to South Korea, Taiwan to Thailand, and Vietnam to diasporic cinema, the festival will take audiences on an exhilarating cinematic journey across Asia and beyond.
China, known for its thriving film industry, presents a compelling lineup of films that include “Art College 1994,” directed by Liu Jian, making its North American premiere, and “The Empty Nest” by Zhang Wei, a North American premiere of a film released in 2020. Zhang Wei’s “Factory Boss” will also be screened as a special presentation, while the director’s cut of “The Rib” adds to the excitement. Another highly anticipated Chinese film is “A Woman” by Wang Chao, making its North American premiere.
Hong Kong cinema has always been a highlight at NYAFF, and this year is no exception. “A Light Never Goes Out” by Anastasia Tsang, “Everyphone Everywhere” by Amos Why, and “In Broad Daylight” by Lawrence Kan are just a few of the Hong Kong films set to captivate audiences. Notably, the festival will feature the director’s cut of “Nomad” by Patrick Tam, a classic film from 1982 that has been beautifully restored for its East Coast premiere.
Japanese cinema, presented with the support of the Japan Foundation, will bring a diverse selection of films to the festival. Among them are “December” by Anshul Chauhan, “Egoist” by Daishi Matsunaga, and “In Her Room” by Chihiro Ito, all making their North American premieres. The lineup also includes “Motherhood” by Ryūichi Hiroki, a highly acclaimed film that premiered in Japan in 2022.
The Philippines will showcase its cinematic talent with films such as “I Love You, Beksman” by Percival Intalan, making its North American premiere, and “12 Weeks” by Anna Isabelle Matutina, an international premiere.
Singapore’s contribution to the festival includes “Geylang” by Boi Kwong, making its North American premiere, adding a fresh perspective to the lineup.
South Korea, in collaboration with the Korean Cultural Center New York, brings an exciting array of films to NYAFF. From the North American premieres of “Bear Man” by Park Sung-kwang and “Killing Romance” by Lee Won-suk to the special screening of Bong Joon Ho’s iconic film “The Host,” South Korean cinema is set to impress. Other notable films include “Phantom” by Lee Hae-young and “Rebound” by Chang Hang-jun.
The Taiwan selection, presented with the support of Taipei Cultural Center in New York, will feature films such as “Bad Education” by Kai Ko and “Marry My Dead Body” by Cheng Wei-hao, both East Coast premieres. “Eye of the Storm” by Lin Chun-yang and “Miss Shampoo” by Giddens Ko will also captivate audiences.
Vietnam’s entry to the festival is “Glorious Ashes” by Bui Thac Chuyên, a North American premiere showcasing the country’s talent and storytelling prowess.
Diasporic cinema will be represented by films like “A-Town Boyz” by Eunice Lau from the USA, making its world premiere, and “The Effects of Lying” by Isher Sahota from the U.K., making its North American premiere.
In addition to the feature films, NYAFF will present an exciting collection of narrative shorts, both in animation and live action. These shorts, from various countries including South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam, and the USA, will provide a glimpse into the creativity and innovation of emerging filmmakers.
The NYAFF 2023 screenings will primarily take place at Film at Lincoln Center’s Walter Reade Theater, located at 165 West 65th Street, New York, NY, from July 14 to July 30, 2023. Furthermore, a special weekend of screenings will be held at the Barrymore Film Center, situated at 153 Main Street, Fort Lee, NJ, from July 21 to July 23, 2023.
Film enthusiasts and cinema lovers alike can look forward to immersing themselves in the vibrant and captivating world of Asian cinema at the upcoming New York Asian Film Festival. Stay tuned for further announcements as more films are revealed, promising an unforgettable experience for attendees.
