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The 24th New York Asian Film Festival is kicking off with a bang this July as it hosts the world premiere of 'Informant', featuring 'Squid Game' breakout star Heo Sung-tae in a leading role.
Bringing extra excitement to the festival’s grand opening, 'Informant' will debut with both lead actor Heo Sung-tae and director Kim Seok in attendance, lighting up the red carpet and setting a dynamic tone for the nights to follow.
What's More to Come in the New York Asian Film Festival
Running from 11th to 27th July across four key venues in Manhattan—including Film at Lincoln Centre and SVA Theatre—NYAFF 2024 showcases its most expansive and diverse lineup to date. Over 50 additional movies have been added in the festival’s second wave announcement, all centred on this year’s theme: “Cinema as Disruption.”
Leading the charge is 'Informant', a high-energy Korean action-comedy that sets the tone for what organisers describe as a radically inclusive showcase of bold cinema. More than 50 filmmakers, actors, and industry leaders from Asia and the global Asian diaspora will participate in the event, making it a true celebration of cross-cultural storytelling.
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Image Courtesy: Getty
The festival’s international appeal is further amplified by appearances from Tadanobu Asano ('Shōgun'), who will be present for the screening of 'Ravens'; Vivian Sung ('Our Times') for the Korean-Taiwanese co-production 'The Secret House'; and Sue Ramirez, headlining the closing night movie 'Flower Girl'.
Eight standout films have been nominated for the Uncaged Award, NYAFF’s signature competition for best feature film. Contenders include:
- 'Time to Be Strong' by Namkoong Sun
- 'Green Wave' by Xu Lei
- 'Skin of Youth' by Ash Mayfair
- 'Family Matters' by Pan Ke-yin
- 'Jinsei' by Ryuya Suzuki
- 'Montages of a Modern Motherhood' by Oliver Chan Siu-kuen
- 'Deep in the Mountain' by Li Yongyi
- 'Travesty' by Baatar Batsukh
The Uncaged Award jury includes renowned talents such as actor Masumi ('Yakuza Princess', 'Assassin’s Creed Shadows'), veteran performer Tzi Ma ('The Farewell', 'Interior Chinatown'), producer Michael Werner, actor Yao ('#LookAtMe'), and Thai director Banjong Pisanthanakun ('Shutter', 'The Medium').
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Image Courtesy: Getty
NYAFF 2024 also features compelling special programming.
NYAFF Executive Director Samuel Jamier described this year's edition as the festival’s most ambitious yet. He emphasised the importance of showcasing innovative voices before they become household names, and applauded the selection of groundbreaking sidebars that challenge and expand definitions of Asian cinema.
Audiences can catch this year’s festival screenings at top Manhattan venues including Film at Lincoln Centre, SVA Theatre, Look Dine-In Cinemas W57, and the Korean Cultural Centre New York, offering a dynamic mix of cinematic experiences across the city.
