24th annual event highlights women-led films, Southeast Asian storytellers, and emerging cross-cultural voices
The New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF), now in its 24th year, has officially opened at Lincoln Center, reaffirming its status as one of the most influential showcases of Asian and Asian American cinema in the Western Hemisphere. With the theme “Cinema as Disruption,” this year’s festival marks a distinct pivot toward bold storytelling, gender representation, and international inclusivity, offering an exciting snapshot of where Asian cinema is heading.
Founded in 2002, the NYAFF has long been a gateway for U.S. audiences to discover Asian filmmakers outside of the mainstream. This year, the festival is breaking records with a robust lineup of 100+ films, including eight world premieres, 41 North American premieres, and five U.S. premieres. These films span genres and geographies, featuring creators from South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan, China, and the U.S.
The festival opened with Informant, a high-stakes political thriller from South Korea that dives into media corruption and democratic resilience. It will close with Flower Girl, a subversive romantic comedy from the Philippines that blends social critique with humor and heart. Both selections reflect the festival’s growing focus on stories that not only entertain but challenge conventional narratives.
A key milestone this year is the rise of women filmmakers. Nearly half of the festival’s 17 debut features are directed by women—a rare feat in any major international film showcase. These films, such as Girls on Wire and Homebody Rebellion, explore themes of identity, autonomy, and societal expectations with clarity and nuance. Organizers say this reflects a deliberate move toward gender equity in programming and selection.
Equally prominent is the representation of Southeast Asia. With 19 films from countries like Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines, the region is gaining overdue recognition for its creative vibrancy. “Southeast Asia is the current frontier for cinema that is both experimental and deeply grounded in local realities,” said Samuel Jamier, Executive Director of NYAFF, during a press briefing on July 13.
In addition to film screenings, the festival offers interactive components including filmmaker Q&As, industry panels, and public talks that foster community-building and creative exchange. Discussions around the Asian diaspora, transnational identity, and queerness in cinema are especially prevalent this year, reflecting evolving conversations in both film and society.
The festival’s “Filmmaker in Focus” spotlight honors Japanese director Toshiaki Toyoda, known for genre-defying work that blends mysticism, rebellion, and existential reflection. A curated retrospective features his landmark works like Blue Spring and The Miracle of Crybaby Shottan, along with new short films that reveal his continued experimentation.
NYAFF has also launched initiatives to support emerging Asian American directors through mentorship programs and post-screening incubators, designed to help local creators navigate both Hollywood and international markets.
For cinephiles, critics, and producers alike, this year’s NYAFF is more than a festival—it is a cultural statement. It demonstrates that Asian cinema is not a niche category, but a dynamic and diverse ecosystem of stories shaping global conversations. The 24th edition reaffirms that when given a platform, these voices not only disrupt—they transform.
