Squid Game Creator Leads Masterclasses at 19th Asian Film Awards

The Asian Film Awards Academy has announced three masterclasses led by Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk, director Jia Zhangke, and actress Zhang Ziyi at the 19th Asian Film Awards in Hong Kong. All three sessions take place on March 15 at the Grand Theatre in Xiqu Centre, West Kowloon, with tickets going on sale February 10.

Background

The Asian Film Awards have grown into a key event for films across Asia. The 18th edition happened on March 16, 2025, also at Xiqu Centre in Hong Kong's West Kowloon Cultural District. This year's 19th awards build on that, adding masterclasses and other programs to draw in filmmakers, actors, and fans. The academy runs these events year-round to promote Asian films, connect professionals from Hong Kong and beyond, and reach wider audiences.

Past featured programs since 2023 have pulled big crowds. Screenings, talks, and similar sessions saw high demand and strong interest from attendees. The academy supports these through partners like the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency and the Film Development Fund. Their goal stays the same: expand the Asian film market and build ties among industry people.

The masterclasses fit into a larger lineup. Besides these three, expect Asian Cinerama screenings and In Conversation events. More details on those come soon. Youth ambassadors add a fresh face to the awards. This year, they are Phiravich Attachitsataporn, known as Mean from Thailand; Natalie Hsu from Hong Kong; and Kent Tsai from Taiwan. These three emerging actors will attend the ceremony, representing different parts of Asia and the next generation of talent.

Key Details

All masterclasses happen on Sunday, March 15, in Hong Kong time. Hwang Dong-hyuk starts at 1:00 p.m., Jia Zhangke follows at 3:30 p.m., and Zhang Ziyi closes at 6:00 p.m. The venue is the Grand Theatre at Xiqu Centre, 4/F, 88 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui, near MTR Austin Station Exit E.

Hwang Dong-hyuk Masterclass

Hwang Dong-hyuk created Netflix's Squid Game, the series that turned a simple childhood game into a story about survival, class divides, and desperation. The show used bright colors, tight spaces, and strict rules to make its point stick worldwide. Before Squid Game, he made films like the tough social drama Silenced and the warm comedy Miss Granny. His session, about 1 hour 30 minutes long, will cover his path in series creation. It comes in Korean with English and Cantonese translation.

Jia Zhangke Masterclass

Jia Zhangke has films that played at Venice, Cannes, and Berlin, Europe's top festivals. He turns everyday lives into stories that capture whole eras. His approach relies on watching closely and holding back to build feeling on screen. This masterclass runs about 1 hour 30 minutes in Mandarin with English translation.

Zhang Ziyi Masterclass

Zhang Ziyi built a career in a field often led by men. She gained respect through hard work and strong choices, becoming a regular juror at big festivals. Her talk will cover how she builds characters to push limits and open doors for Chinese actresses globally. Her session lasts about 2 hours 15 minutes, including a 15-minute break, in Mandarin with English translation. It ties into the awards ceremony.

Tickets for the masterclasses and first-round awards seats go on sale at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 10. They sell on a first-come, first-served basis since numbers are limited. Packages for masterclasses offer a way to see all three in one day.

“Green light, red light.” With Squid Game, HWANG Dong-hyuk transformed a childhood game into a chilling test of survival. – Asian Film Awards Academy on Hwang's work

What This Means

These masterclasses bring top names in Asian cinema to one stage. Hwang's global hit Squid Game reached viewers everywhere, showing how Asian stories can cross borders. Jia Zhangke's festival wins highlight artistic depth from the region. Zhang Ziyi's path marks gains for actresses in a tough industry.

Fans and filmmakers get direct access to their processes. Sessions cover acting, directing ordinary life into art, and building hit series. This setup lets people from different countries learn side by side. The youth ambassadors show the academy's push for new talent. Mean, Natalie Hsu, and Kent Tsai represent Thailand, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, mixing regions and ages at the event.

The full program, with Cinerama and talks, aims to grow interest in Asian films. Past years proved people want these chances to see films and hear from makers. Selling tickets soon tests that demand again. Limited spots mean quick sales, just like before.

The academy's year-round work keeps going. Programs like student trips to festivals, roadshows, and training for young pros build skills and links. Support from government funds makes it possible to reach students, industry folks, and everyday viewers across Asia and outside.

Bringing Hwang, Jia, and Zhang together spotlights variety in Asian cinema. One day packs series hits, festival darlings, and star power. It draws a crowd that spans fans of blockbusters to art house lovers. The event in Hong Kong's cultural hub keeps the city as a spot for film talks.

Youth involvement points to the future. Emerging actors as ambassadors meet established names, sparking talks across generations. This mix helps shape what comes next for films from Asia.

Ticket sales starting February 10 give a first look at turnout. High interest in past events suggests strong response. The masterclasses alone offer hours of insight from leaders in the field.