Dean Fujioka and Masaki Okada have been appointed as ambassadors for the 18th Asia Film Awards (AFA), set to take place on March 16, 2025, in Hong Kong. The announcement marks the first time the AFA will feature both AFA ambassadors and youth ambassadors from across Asia.
Fujioka, who will serve as the main ambassador, expressed his honor at being selected for this role. "I am very honored to serve as the ambassador for the 18th Asia Film Awards. Hong Kong is where I started my career as an actor. I hope to work together with everyone to promote Asian cinema," he stated.
Okada, along with youth ambassadors from Thailand, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, will contribute to making this year's awards ceremony memorable. This year’s youth ambassadors include Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying from Thailand, Bo-Hung Lin from Taiwan, and Janice Man from Hong Kong, all of whom embody the AFA theme of “Empowering Ideas Together.”
Each of these five talented actors brings their own unique cultural backgrounds and artistic styles to the event. Fujioka began his career as a model before transitioning to acting, achieving recognition for his lead role in the film "August Story" and starring in popular TV dramas. He later expanded his career to Japan, where his performance in the NHK series "Come Come Everybody" garnered widespread acclaim.
Okada, who debuted in 2006, has appeared in numerous films and television shows, gaining recognition for his roles in "Confessions" and "The Villain." His dramatic range and ability to portray contrasting characters have earned him numerous accolades, including multiple awards at Japan's Academy Awards.
The youth ambassador program aims to highlight the rich diversity of Asian cinema and engage younger audiences. Each actor will participate not only at the awards ceremony but also at various related events throughout the AFA festivities, helping to raise awareness about the cultural significance of Asian films.
The AFA will host a press conference on January 10, 2025, where the nominated films and jury chair will be announced. The event has gathered much anticipation following the success of previous editions, which have celebrated numerous prominent filmmakers and actors across the continent.
Fujioka and Okada’s participation as ambassadors signals the importance of unity and collaboration within the Asian film industry. The 18th AFA aims to spotlight the efforts of filmmakers and actors who contribute to the vibrant and diverse cinematic heritage of Asia.
This year's theme highlights the collaborative spirit of Asian filmmakers as they work together to build a stronger future for the film industry. The AFA Academy, established alongside the Tokyo International Film Festival, the Hong Kong International Film Festival, and the Busan International Film Festival, emphasizes the promotion of Asian cinema and cultural exchange.
With rising global interest, the roles of Fujioka and Okada will not only promote the awards but also serve to inspire upcoming generations of filmmakers and actors throughout Asia. Their influence and commitment to advancing Asian cinema are poised to leave a mark on this prestigious event.
For more updates on the awards, fans can visit the official AFA website or tune in to the live stream of the press conference on January 10, 2025.