The 24th New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF) commenced today at Film at Lincoln Center, heralding a dynamic celebration of Asian cinema under the theme “Cinema as Disruption.” Spanning from July 11 to July 27, the festival showcases over 100 films from across Asia, emphasizing narratives that challenge conventions and provoke thought.
The festival’s opening night featured the world premiere of South Korean action-comedy “Informant,” directed by Kim Seok. The film stars Heo Sung-tae, renowned for his role in “Squid Game,” portraying Detective Oh Nam-hyuk, a beleaguered cop entangled in a chaotic partnership with a cunning informant, played by Jo Bok-rae. Their misadventures unravel amidst a botched sting operation, setting a comedic yet thrilling tone for the festival.
Director Kim Seok, making his feature debut, attended the premiere alongside the lead actors, engaging with audiences in a post-screening Q&A session. The film’s blend of humor and action aligns with the festival’s theme, showcasing cinema’s power to disrupt and entertain.
This year’s NYAFF boasts its most expansive program to date, featuring over 75 premieres, including eight world premieres and numerous North American and U.S. debuts. The selection highlights 17 directorial debuts, nearly half by women filmmakers, underscoring a commitment to diverse voices in cinema.
The festival’s programming spans a wide array of genres and themes, from unsettling horror and feminist thrillers to cosmic punk epics and political allegories. Special spotlights include a historic Vietnam Cinema Night, the Queer Unbound series, and retrospectives that challenge traditional narratives in Asian cinema.
Concluding the festival on July 27 is the international premiere of the Filipino comedy “Flower Girl,” directed by Fatrick Tabada. The film stars Sue Ramirez as Ena, a woman cursed to lose her vagina after offending a trans-fairy, leading her on a journey of self-discovery and redemption. The narrative, blending magical realism with sharp social commentary, addresses themes of gender identity and transphobia with satirical flair.
“Flower Girl” has garnered critical acclaim in the Philippines for its bold storytelling and fearless approach to sensitive topics. Director Tabada and lead actress Ramirez are scheduled to attend the closing night screening at the SVA Theatre, participating in a post-show Q&A session with the audience.
Screenings and events are taking place across four venues in Manhattan: Film at Lincoln Center, SVA Theatre, LOOK Cinemas W57, and the Korean Cultural Center NY. The festival offers New York audiences a rare opportunity to experience the next wave of global cinema, often months or years ahead of wider release.
In addition to film screenings, NYAFF features panel discussions, filmmaker Q&As, and special events that foster dialogue between creators and audiences. The festival continues to serve as a platform for emerging talents and established artists to showcase their work to a diverse and enthusiastic audience.
