The 7th Asian Film Awards AFA Film Submissions Now Open

(1 November 2012 – Hong Kong)  Presented by the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (HKIFFS), the 7 th Asian Film Awards (AFA) announced the opening of film submissions for AFA nominations today.

Launched in 2007, the AFA is a pioneering programme honouring filmmakers with outstanding achievements in the field of Asian cinema. It has sought to promote Asian film culture both regionally and internationally. Each year, the AFA makes presentations in a range of categories such as Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, in recognition of artistic achievements in the cinemas and film industries of the Asian region. The AFA is the only platform in the world that brings together the best cinematic talents of Asia, drawing film fans and professionals from all across the globe.

Individual film submissions for AFA nomination were introduced in 2009 and are being invited again for the 7 th AFA.

"The Asian Film Awards is dedicated to promoting and encouraging film production in Asia, and recognising the outstanding achievements of filmmakers. Today Asian cinema is attracting more international attention than ever; inviting open submissions from individuals would encourage greater participation among talents across Asia. We look forward to receiving and honouring a diversity of quality works, whether they are widely acclaimed mega hits or art house successes," said Mr. Roger GARCIA, Executive Director of HKIFFS.

The 7 th AFA is now accepting submissions through three channels: (i) official Submission Organisations; (ii) Jury members; and (iii) open submission (Films can be submitted directly online at www.asianfilmawards.asia).

Submission of films for nomination is open from 1 to 30 November 2012.  Nominees for the 7 th AFA will be announced in mid January.

For the 7 th AFA, the Official Submission Organisations, including Cinema Department, Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, Cambodia; Motion Picture Industry Association Limited (MPIA), Hong Kong; National Film Development Corporation, India; UniJapan, Japan; Korea Film Producers Association, South Korea; National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS); Film Development Board, Nepal; Film Development Council of The Philippines; Singapore Film Commission; Taipei Film Commission, Taiwan; The Federation of National Film Associations of Thailand; China Film Directors' Guild; Cinema Department, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam; Gulf Film Festival, the United Arab Emirates; Jerusalem Film Festival, Israel and Bangladesh Film Development Corporation will take part in the selection. A panel of professional jurors will determine the nominees from eligible films produced and released theatrically in Asia in 2012.

There are 14 categories for nomination and up to five nominees are selected in each of the categories. These include: Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Newcomer, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Screenwriter, Best Cinematographer, Best Production Designer, Best Composer, Best Editor, Best Visual Effects, and Best Costume Designer. 

The AFA Presentation Ceremony is a core event of Entertainment Expo Hong Kong. Eminent filmmakers, distinguished guests and acclaimed talents from around the world are invited to bestow awards upon the winner(s) of each category, making the Ceremony a dazzling extravaganza as well as an influential cultural event that helps position Hong Kong as the hub of Asian cinema.

For more information about the Asian Film Awards and film submission for nomination, please visit:www.asianfilmawards.asia.