The 23rd edition of the New York Asian Film Festival has announced some of the Korean films that will be screened during the festival, which runs from July 12–22 at Film at Lincoln Center. Additional screenings will take place at the SVA Theatre, LOOK Cinemas W57, and the Korean Cultural Center New York. Festival director Samuel Jamier expressed excitement about the lineup, highlighting the diverse range of films and talent that will be featured. The festival aims to showcase audacious auteurs and daring debutantes who are making waves in Asian cinema.
Opening Night will feature the world premiere of Park Beom-su’s Victory, a cheerleading epic described as a mix of Bring It On and Parasite. Rising star Lee Hye-ri, a former member of Girl’s Day, will attend the premiere alongside the director and co-star Park Se-wan. The cast also includes Lee Jeong-ha from the Disney+ series Moving. Other films to be screened include The Killers, an anthologized hit man odyssey presented by the Korean Cultural Center New York, and The Guest, a tense thriller with director Yeon Je-gwang and lead actor Lee Ju-seung in attendance. Kim Da-min will present her feature debut FAQ, while Yoon Eun-Kyung’s The Tenants explores a monochromatic nightmare.
In addition to the film screenings, the festival will host various events, including the Opening Night Market on July 12 and the Matsuri Night on July 23, featuring live music and Asian food stalls. A second wave of announcements is expected to highlight the Uncaged Competition lineup, Shorts Showcase Competition lineup, special guests, master classes, panels, and more. Jamier emphasized that this year’s festival promises a blockbuster lineup of passionate stories for audiences in the city that never sleeps, catering to both die-hard cinephiles and those seeking a wild ride.
The festival aims to showcase the depth and diversity of Asian cinema beyond mainstream hits like Parasite and Everything Everywhere All At Once. Jamier noted that the real action in Asian cinema is happening in the trenches, where emerging talents are unleashing a tidal wave of creativity. With more fresh faces than a K-pop band, this year’s festival promises to offer a spicy and tangy cinematic experience. As the festival prepares to crash onto American shores, audiences can look forward to a mix of thrilling narratives and original storytelling that will awaken their senses.
NYAFF continues to push boundaries with its selection of diverse and innovative films from Asian countries, including Korea. The lineup features a mix of genres, from cheerleading epics to creepy thrillers and whimsical fantasies, showcasing the rich tapestry of Asian storytelling. The festival seeks to provide a platform for emerging filmmakers and celebrate their unique voices in the global cinema landscape. As the festival unfolds, audiences can expect to be immersed in a world of bold storytelling, captivating performances, and unforgettable cinematic experiences that will leave a lasting impression.
