Hong Kong/Tokyo (January 6, 2025): The Asian Film Awards Academy (Academy or AFAA) has announced that it will welcome, for the first time in Asian Film Awards’ (AFA) history, five individuals as the faces of AFA: the AFA Ambassador and four Youth Ambassadors from different Asian regions. Actor Dean FUJIOKA will serve as the AFA Ambassador, making him the first actor to take on this role. Additionally, OKADA Masaki will be a Youth Ambassador, alongside Aokbab Chutimon (Thailand), Austin LIN (Taiwan), and LO Chun Yip (Hong Kong). 

The five shining stars, from different regions across Asia, bring unique cultural backgrounds, acting experiences, and styles, embodying this year's theme, 'Empowering Ideas Together.' They will attend the AFA ceremony and side events, meeting cinephiles to promote the rich culture of Asian cinema. 

AFA Ambassador Dean Fujioka began his career as a model in Hong Kong and made his acting debut with the lead role in the film August Story (2005). He then moved to Taiwan and gained early recognition across Asia by starring in Taiwanese dramas, including “Corner with Love” and “Miss No Good,” as well as numerous films and dramas. In 2011, he expanded his career to Japan, where he earned widespread acclaim for his performance in NHK’s “Sunshiny Asa/Asa ga Kita” (2015-2016), receiving several awards. 

Beyond acting, Fujioka has manifested his all-round talent as a musician, releasing solo albums and performing theme songs for film and television projects, demonstrating his broad and global talents around the world. Fujioka commented, “I am honored to serve as the Ambassador for the 18th Asian Film Awards. Hong Kong is where I made my debut as an actor and the place where my career started. I hope to work together with everyone to make Asian cinema shine even brighter. One of the Youth Ambassadors, Okada Masaki, has been active in numerous television and film projects since his debut in 2006. He gained early recognition with his first leading role in the film Honokaa Boy (2009), earning multiple Best New Actor awards in Japan, including the Japan Academy Film Prize. 

The following year, in 2010, his striking performances in Villain and Confessions demonstrated his ability to master contrasting characters, leaving a lasting impression on audiences. Since then, he has appeared in many acclaimed works, including the popular TV drama series “Legal High,” garnering fans across Asia. He has also thrived in theatre, proving his dynamic talent across various platforms. In recent years, his film Gold Boy (2023) had its world premiere in the Gala Selection of the 36th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF). Additionally, he participated in the 16th AFA as one of the nominees for Best Supporting Actor in Drive My Car (directed by Hamaguchi Ryusuke), which won Best Film, and will return to the AFA stage again as the Youth Ambassador this year. Okada is a celebrated actor whose work continues to attract attention not only in Asia but also globally. Okada commented, “It is a great honor to be chosen as the Youth Ambassador for the 18th Asian Film Awards. I am very happy to be part of this prestigious event, which brings together so many distinguished figures from the film industry. 

This year’s Youth Ambassadors include Aokbab Chutimon from Thailand, who starred in the hit film Bad Genius, widely popular worldwide, and won the Best Newcomer Award at the 12th AFA. Austin Lin from Taiwan, who received the Best Supporting Actor honor at the 53rd Golden Horse Awards for At Café 6, is also acting as Youth Ambassador. 

Lo Chun Yip from Hong Kong, who appeared in Time Still Turns the Pages, which screened in the World Focus section of the 36th TIFF and was nominated for Best Actor at the Hong Kong Film Awards, joins this lineup of rising stars whose talents are drawing significant attention.

The AFAA also announced the official key visual design for this year’s AFA, featuring the theme 'Empowering Ideas Together.' This theme highlights the unity and collaborative spirit of Asian filmmakers, as they come together to shape a dynamic and thriving future for the film industry. The nominees and jury president of the 18th AFA will be announced on January 10.

The voting panel, composed of nominees and winners from previous years, participates annually in selecting the winners across all categories for the Asian Film Awards. Panel members also have the opportunity to attend events organised by the Academy across Asia and worldwide, engaging with industry professionals and audiences. 

Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA) Asian Film Awards Academy is a non-profit organisation founded by Busan, Hong Kong and Tokyo International Film Festivals with the shared goal of celebrating excellence in Asian cinema. In addition to the annual Asian Film Awards, the Academy hosts year-round events and programmes with the objectives to promote Asian films to a broader audience, expanding the film market within Asia, and fostering connections among film professionals in Hong Kong and beyond. 

Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF)  The Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) started in 1985 as Japan’s first major film festival and the only Japanese film festival accredited by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF). Since then, TIFF has grown to become one of the leading film festivals in Asia. Every year for ten days, filmmakers and film fans of all ages gather in Tokyo to enjoy outstanding films from around the world and TIFF’s many colorful events. 

These include TIFFCOM, the affiliated market of TIFF, seminars for students, professionals, and businesspeople; and symposia and workshops for networking, uniting the world’s film industries, developing international co-productions, and promoting the global film business. 

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