Presented by the New York Asian Film Foundation and Film at Lincoln Center, the 24th New York Asian Film Festival returns this summer from July 11-27, 2025 with its most ambitious and globally expansive lineup yet.
With more than 100 films across four NYC venues: Film at Lincoln Center, SVA Theatre, LOOK Cinemas W57, and the Korean Cultural Center NY, the 2025 program embodies this year’s theme, Cinema as Disruption, featuring works that challenge convention, provoke thought, and reimagine possibility—from feminist thrillers to cosmic punk epics and political allegories.
Highlights from the First Wave:
100+ films: 70+ features and 30 shorts, with Film at Lincoln Center hosting 40 features
75+ premieres, including eight world, 41 North American, five U.S.
19 Southeast Asian films from six countries
17 first-time directors, nearly half women
30+ filmmaker Q&As
Award Honorees and Special Guests:
Lisa Lu will be honored with both the Star Asia Lifetime Achievement Award and the Vanguard Award—marking the first time both honors are conferred upon a single individual.
Ekin Cheng, recipient of the Star Asia Award, will attend in support of Last Song for You (North American Premiere).
Toshiaki Toyoda will be celebrated with NYAFF’s first-ever mid-career retrospective, including his latest film Transcending Dimensions and rare screenings of Blue Spring, Hanging Garden, and select shorts.
Natalie Hsu will receive the Screen International Rising Star Asia Award for her performances in Pavane for an Infant and Last Song for You.
The 2025 lineup also features work from notable filmmakers such as Chong Keat Aun, Mikhail Red, Heaven Peralejo, and Lilly Hu, among others, representing the next generation of Asian cinema across genres and regions. A second wave of NYAFF 2025 announcements will be unveiled next week.
Additionally, the NYAFF 2025 Membership Program is now live — granting early ticket access, member-exclusive pricing, and curated benefits designed for first-time attendees, returning fans, and devoted cinephiles alike. Explore the tiers and join the community HERE.
Tickets go on sale Wednesday, June 18 at 2:00 PM ET, with early access beginning at 12:00 PM ET for NYAFF and Film at Lincoln Center members. For complete pricing details and additional information, visit filmlinc.org and nyaff.org.
Presented with Major Support From:
The festival is made possible through the support of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (HKETONY), Thailand Creative Culture Agency (THACCA), Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York, Fundstrat Global Advisors, and the Korean Cultural Center New York (KCCNY) — whose partnership amplifies Asian cinema’s most vital voices.
In addition to our films, NYAFF is thrilled to announce that our first-ever Opening Weekend Gala will take place on Saturday, July 12 at Lincoln Center’s David Rubenstein Atrium. The evening will present the legendary Lisa Lu with the Vanguard Award for her groundbreaking seven-decade career, and the Screen International Rising Star Asia Award to Natalie Hsu.
Opening Night and Gala tickets are available now at: galabid.com/nyaffgala2025
The festival’s beloved Opening Night Market will also make its beloved return on Friday, July 11—a perennial fan-favorite party with live music, Asian street food, and festive flair.
