Celebrating a Month of Cultural Expressions: Featuring 24 Cinematic Gems at the ASEAN Film Festival 2025

Presented in collaboration with the Consulates-General of 14 countries and over 40 partners, the Festival offers more than 3,500 free tickets to culture enthusiasts

HONG KONG, Aug. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The ASEAN Film Festival (AFF) 2025, organised by the Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation (HKAF), opened last week, marking the beginning of a series of free film screenings and sharing sessions that will run through to 31 August in Hong Kong. During the month, the Festival will showcase 24 films from all ten ASEAN countries and four Belt and Road countries for the first time, with 11 special sharing sessions hosted by filmmakers and directors from overseas. The response from both students and the public to the over 3,500 free tickets on offer has been highly enthusiastic and positive.

The opening ceremony of the Festival held last week was attended by esteemed guests, including Mr Liu Guangyuan, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, Mr Pan Yundong, Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the HKSAR, Miss Rosanna Law, JP, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr Ong Siew Gay, Dean of the ASEAN Consuls-General and Consul-General of Singapore in Hong Kong, alongside the Consuls-General or representatives of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Egypt, Hungary, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, Türkiye and Vietnam, Ms Wan Ning, Deputy Director-General of the Youth Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, Mr Nicholas Ho Lik-chi, Commissioner for Belt and Road of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau of the HKSAR Government, Mr Daryl Ng, SBS, JP, Chairman of Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation, along with representatives from co-presenters, venue partners, and supporting organisations.

Miss Rosanna Law, JP, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the HKSAR, stated in her speech that the Festival served as a unique platform for dialogues and collaborations. She was pleased to see filmmakers, directors, and actors from some 10 featured films participating in special sharing sessions and engaging with local youth and ASEAN students in Hong Kong, including two collaborative talks between ASEAN and Hong Kong filmmakers, bringing in insightful cross-cultural discussions and paving the way for new ideas and partnerships. She added that such cultural exchange activities aligned perfectly with the HKSAR Government's strategic vision to establish Hong Kong as a leading East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, underscored Hong Kong's steadfast dedication to strengthening connections with countries along the Belt and Road region, solidifying its role as the "super-connector" between the Mainland of China and the global community.

Mr Ong Siew Gay, Dean of the ASEAN Consuls-General and Consul-General of Singapore in Hong Kong, said, 'We need more exchanges of ideas and more international and regional collaboration to foster understanding and trust. These stakeholders would certainly include Hong Kong, as well as all members of ASEAN.' He shared, 'Many Hong Kong movies, and TV series are popular in Southeast Asia. The Festival is instrumental in fostering a better appreciation of ASEAN societies and culture within Hong Kong, and this will position Hong Kong well in facilitating the development of China's relationship with ASEAN.'

Mr Nicholas Ho Lik-chi, Commissioner for Belt and Road of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau of the HKSAR Government, remarked, 'This Festival embodies the spirit of communication and connection, reminding us that culture and creativity are living among us, knowing no borders, we are much more alike than we are different. At the core of the Belt and Road Initiative lies a commitment to people-to-people bonds. We often talk about connectivity in terms of trade and investment, but let's not forget the most important aspect is friendship, the heart-to-heart connection. The ASEAN Film Festival exemplifies this beautifully, showcasing films that resonate deeply with audiences and serve as bridges across cultures, and ultimately touch our souls.'

Mr Daryl Ng, SBS, JP, Chairman of the Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation, noted that Hong Kong continues to serve as an important bridge between ASEAN and Mainland China in trade, commerce, and cultural exchange. He expressed gratitude for the invaluable support from the Consuls-General from 14 countries and over 40 partners for the third edition of the ASEAN Film Festival. He emphasised that through the universal language of film, the Festival aims to transcend borders, spark dialogue, and deepen mutual understanding. These stories celebrate shared values and strengthen connections among diverse communities. Mr Ng looks forward to welcoming the audience, especially younger generations, to embark on a cross-cultural journey this summer while appreciating the creativity of filmmakers worldwide.

A celebration of strengthening cultural ties and cross-border collaboration

During the Festival's opening ceremony, a special screening of an acclaimed Malaysian film, 'Gold', took place, featuring a pre-screening sharing with Mr Cheah Liek Hou, the Malaysian Paralympic badminton gold medalist whose story inspired the film, and Ms Guinevere Loh, the film's line producer, who brought a meaningful highlight to stories of determination and resilience, underscoring the power of cinema to inspire across different communities. The director of 'Zero to Hero', Mr Jimmy Wan, was also invited to engage in fruitful dialogues about the creative development process, exploring authentic storytelling and cultural connections behind the filmmaker's work. 

Throughout August, the Festival will bring a summer hit to the city with 24 specially curated films. Film enthusiasts will be able to enjoy an immersive journey into cultural diversity with special pre- and post-screening sharing sessions with filmmakers such as Singapore's Jack Neo, the award-winning director behind films like 'Long Long Time Ago' and the 'Ah Boys to Men', Indonesian director Yandy Laurens, producer Suryana Paramita, and actor and actress, Ringgo Agus Rahman and Nirina Zubir, from 'Falling in Love Like in Movies', as well as director of 'Samsara', Garin Nugroho, whose films have been featured at prestigious international film festivals including Cannes, Venice and Berlin, and Thailand's Pom Bunsermvicha whose unique storytelling style has resulted in their films being shown at festivals across Southeast Asia and abroad. In collaboration with the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, local Hong Kong film industry professionals will also participate in some sharing sessions, including filmmaker Jill Leung Lai-yin, winner of the 'Best New Director' award at the Hong Kong Film Directors' Guild Annual Awards.

AFF 2025 is a collaborative endeavour involving the Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation, the Consulates-General of the 14 countries in Hong Kong, and various partners across multiple sectors. Co-presenters include the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, M+ and Asia Society Hong Kong Center. Supporting organisations comprise the Belt and Road Office of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, the Financial Services Development Council, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, InvestHK, Our Hong Kong Foundation, and various chambers and associations. The Festival exemplifies a collaborative effort to showcase ASEAN cinema and encourage cultural exchange. 

For more information about the Festival, please visit the AFF 2025 website: https://aseanfilmfest.org/.

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Celebrating a Month of Cultural Expressions: Featuring 24 Cinematic Gems at the ASEAN Film Festival 2025

 At Goalkeepers Abu Dhabi, global leaders outline a path to improve and save the lives of millions of children through lifesaving innovation and renewed investment

Partners announce $1.9 billion to advance polio eradication

Event held in partnership with the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity highlights urgency, honors leadership, and showcases champions advancing progress despite historic global funding cuts

ABU DHABI, UAE, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- At Goalkeepers Abu Dhabi, leaders from government, philanthropy, business, and civil society issued a unified call to accelerate progress on child survival and infectious disease eradication. The appeal was anchored by US$1.9 billion in commitments to advance polio eradication announced earlier in the day at Abu Dhabi Finance Week.

The Gates Foundation contributed US$1.2 billion, reflecting its long-term commitment to a future where no mother, baby, or child dies from preventable causes, and where deadly infectious diseases like polio are eliminated forever.

Co-hosted by the Gates Foundation and the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity, Goalkeepers Abu Dhabi brought together more than 500 global leaders. The leaders delivered a clear message: the world must act now to reverse rising child deaths, stop preventable maternal deaths and finish the job of ending preventable diseases, starting with polio.

Held in the Middle East and North Africa region for the first time, the event marks a significant expansion of Goalkeepers to audiences across the region and underscores the UAE's growing leadership in child health. Together, the leaders delivered a clear message: the world must act now to reverse rising child deaths and finish the job of ending preventable diseases, starting with polio.

New data from the Gates Foundation's 2025 Goalkeepers Report shows that the number of children dying before age 5 is projected to rise for the first time in a century. Leaders stressed that this turning point demands bold choices, renewed financing, and commitment to scaling innovations that can save millions of lives by 2045.

$1.9 Billion in New Commitments Toward Polio Eradication Announced

Earlier in the day in the pledging event convened by the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity, countries, philanthropic foundations, and development partners announced US$1.9 billion including approximately US$1.2 billion in newly pledged funds that reduce the remaining resource gap for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative's (GPEI) 2022-2029 Strategy to $440 million. This funding will strengthen global health systems, expand immunization, and accelerate progress toward polio eradication.

"Far too many children are still dying from diseases we know how to prevent," said Bill Gates, chair of the Gates Foundation. "The tools exist—vaccines, treatments, and proven delivery strategies—and countries are working hard to get them to those who need them most. The support announced today will strengthen those efforts, protect the most vulnerable children, and help the world stay on course to end polio for good."

The pledges reflect the growing recognition that even in a constrained global fiscal environment, strategic investment in human health delivers unmatched returns.

A significant portion of the funding will support child survival efforts: expanding vaccine access, protecting newborns, and sustaining critical immunization programs in fragile and conflict-affected settings.

With polio now 99.9% eradicated, leaders stressed that closing the final gap is both a moral imperative and proof that coordinated global action can defeat even the toughest diseases.

"Polio eradication is within reach and today's generous pledges bring us closer than ever to this goal," said Her Excellency Dr Shamma Khalifa Al Mazrouei, Acting Director General of the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity. "Both Goalkeepers Abu Dhabi and today's pledging moment underscore what is possible when countries and donors act together: a world free from polio and a healthier, more resilient future for all."

Under the leadership of His Highness Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity works with partners to accelerate progress towards a healthier and more equitable world.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has personally committed US$525 million since 2011 to polio eradication, helping to reach more than 400 million children each year with vaccines.

Goalkeepers Abu Dhabi: Imagine the Possible

This year's Goalkeepers Abu Dhabi theme, "Imagine the Possible," spotlighted what the world can achieve with courage, partnership, and innovation.

Key moments included:

• An address by His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, honoring H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, "Mother of the Nation," and celebrating decades of progress for women and children
• Host David Oyelowo, acclaimed actor and advocate, guiding the evening with purpose and urgency
• CNN International's Managing Editor Becky Anderson bringing Bill Gates and Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE minister of state for international cooperation, together on stage
• Ramesh Ferris, polio survivor and global champion, delivering a powerful call to achieve eradication
• Storytelling performances from global changemakers sharing lived experiences on child survival and equity
• A standout musical performance by Adekunle Gold that energized the audience with a message of resilience and hope

These voices illustrate that progress is possible when the world commits to it.

About the Gates Foundation

Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, we work with partners to create impactful solutions so that people can take charge of their futures and achieve their full potential. In the United States, we aim to ensure that everyone—especially those with the fewest resources—has access to the opportunities needed to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, Washington, the foundation is led by CEO Mark Suzman, under the direction of Bill Gates and our governing board.

About Goalkeepers

Goalkeepers is the foundation's campaign to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (Global Goals). By sharing stories and data behind the Global Goals through an annual report, the Gates Foundation hopes to inspire a new generation of leaders—Goalkeepers who raise awareness of progress, hold their leaders accountable, and drive action to achieve the Global Goals.

Media Contact: media@gatesfoundation.org

 

 

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

With Child Deaths Projected to Rise for the First Time in a Century, Gates Foundation and Mohamed Bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity Urge Action as World Faces Critical Turning Point

With Child Deaths Projected to Rise for the First Time in a Century, Gates Foundation and Mohamed Bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity Urge Action as World Faces Critical Turning Point

With Child Deaths Projected to Rise for the First Time in a Century, Gates Foundation and Mohamed Bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity Urge Action as World Faces Critical Turning Point