JAFF Collaborates with Asian Film Awards Academy for Hong Kong Cinema Showcase

The Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival (JAFF) is joining forces with the Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA) for the second year in a row to present a special program highlighting Hong Kong cinema. Taking place from November 30 to December 4 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, the Together We Dare to Direct initiative will celebrate the work of acclaimed director Ann Hui and other influential filmmakers across different generations.

The program will feature a masterclass with Hui, widely recognized as one of Asias most significant female directors. In addition, audiences will have the opportunity to watch nine feature films and four short films that showcase the evolution of Hong Kong cinema through various eras.

This edition marks the 20th anniversary of JAFF and continues the festivals collaboration with AFAA, a non-profit organization established by the Busan, Hong Kong, and Tokyo film festivals to promote Asian cinema worldwide. Our partnership with AFAA reflects the ongoing transformation of Asian cinema, presenting curated films that reveal the creative journeys of filmmakers across generations and genres, stated Alexander Matius, JAFF program director.

Among the highlights are newly restored 4K screenings of Huis A Simple Life (2011) and July Rhapsody (2002). The program also includes Man Lim Chungs documentary Keep Rolling, which explores Huis artistic process, alongside other notable works such as Tommy Kai Chung Ngs Golden Horse-winning animated feature Another World, Robin Lees award-winning documentary Four Trails, John Woos action classic The Killer, the crime thriller Sons of the Neon Night, and the drama The Remnant.

The short film segment will feature Ivan Cheungs The Apple of My Eye and Tomatoes Are Poisonous, both created during his participation in the AFAA International Film Camp. Directors Lee, Mandrew Kwan Man Hin, Quist Tsang, and Cheung will engage in Q&A sessions following their screenings. They will also participate in the JAFF Community Forum alongside production designer Man Lim Chung.

Led by the legendary Ann Hui, we are delighted to have the support of Hong Kong directors and film professionals at JAFF20, said Josie Lin, AFAA executive director. Their involvement embodies the skill, discipline, and vision that define exceptional directing.

The program is supported financially by Hong Kongs Creative Cultural Industries Development Agency and the Film Development Fund, with additional backing from the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Jakarta. JAFFs market component, the JAFF Market, will run until December 1, offering a platform for industry networking and film promotion.

Author’s Analysis

From my perspective, the continued collaboration between JAFF and the Asian Film Awards Academy underscores the growing importance of cross-regional partnerships in Asian cinema. By returning to Hong Kong cinema for a second consecutive year, the festival demonstrates a sustained curatorial focus rather than a one-off tribute.

The emphasis on Ann Hui’s work, including restored 4K screenings and an in-depth masterclass, positions this program as both a historical reflection and an educational platform. The selection of films spans multiple generations and genres, offering a structured overview of Hong Kong cinema’s artistic development.

The inclusion of industry discussions, Q&A sessions, and the JAFF Community Forum adds a professional dimension that extends beyond screenings. Financial and institutional support from Hong Kong cultural bodies further confirms the strategic role of this initiative in promoting regional cinema within an international festival framework.

Sources:

• JAFF Teams With Asian Film Awards Academy for Hong Kong Cinema Showcase