AFA19 HWANG Dong-hyuk MasterclassAsian Film Awards Academy

【Due to ticketing and technical processing, the ticket purchase page for this event will be temporarily closed from the afternoon of March 11 (starting at 13:45) and is expected to resume sales service later.】

The Asian Film Awards return with a compelling line-up of internationally acclaimed filmmakers and artists in attendance. Presented by the Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA) and supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) and the Film Development Fund, AFAA today announces three major Masterclass events at the 19th Asian Film Awards.

The programme features HWANG Dong-hyuk, creator of the global phenomenon Squid Game; acclaimed director JIA Zhangke, whose works have been selected for Europe's three major international film festivals; and legendary Asian actress ZHANG Ziyi, each leading a Masterclass session. Spanning acting, auteur filmmaking, and series creation, the three Masterclasses invite audiences to explore contemporary cinema from multiple perspectives.

Since 2023, the Asian Film Awards' featured programmes have received an enthusiastic response, with screenings and talks drawing strong interest and high demand. In addition to the Masterclasses, this year's line-up will also include Asian Cinerama and a series of In Conversation events, with further details to be announced soon.

Limited Edition Special Package Ticket along with first-round tickets, will go on sale at 11:00 on 10 February. There is early bird price for Limited Edition Special Package Ticket until 28 February 2026. Tickets are limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Masterclass: HWANG Dong-hyuk
Creator of Netflix's global hit Squid Game
“Green light, red light.” With Squid Game, HWANG Dong-hyuk transformed a childhood game into a chilling test of survival. Its global impact extends beyond its premise — distilling themes of class and desperation into a visually striking, instantly recognisable series. From lethal childhood games to deceptively simple yet ruthless rules, and the bold use of colour and spatial design, every element reinforces the narrative and leaves a lasting impression.

Long before Squid Game became a worldwide phenomenon, HWANG had built a diverse body of work — from the harrowing social drama Silenced to the heartfelt comedy Miss Granny. This Masterclass will trace his creative journey, exploring how years of persistence and craft culminated in a story that resonated across cultures.

Masterclass Series Details

Venue
Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre, WestK
(4/F, 88 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui (MTR Austin Station, Exit E))

Schedule
AFA19 HWANG Dong-hyuk Masterclass: 15 March, 13:00

● HWANG Dong-hyuk Masterclass: Presented in Korean with English & Cantonese translation; duration approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
● One ticket per person. Valid admission tickets must be presented upon entry to the venue.
● Children under 6 are not admitted.
● Venue management reserves the right to deny entry to latecomers. Latecomers may only be admitted at an appropriate break.
● No smoking or eating.
● No unauthorised filming, photography, video, audio recording or use any form of recording of a visual image or sound is allowed.
● Ticket holders must comply with all other venue regulations.
● The Asian Film Awards Academy reserves the right to change the programme, guests in attendance, schedule, or seating arrangements/availability. Any changes may be made without prior notice.

Ticketing Information
First-Round Tickets go on sale from 10 February 11:00 via art-mate online ticketing platform*.

Limited Edition Special Package Ticket: Early Bird Discount HKD 380** (Original Price: HKD $480) (Includes 1 admission ticket + 1 limited-edition gift set)
Regular Ticket: HKD 160
Discount Ticket: HKD 80***

* Service fee will be charged by the art-mate online ticketing platform.
** Early Bird price valid until 28 February 2026. From 1 March 2026, tickets will be sold at the original price. The limited-edition gift set features exclusive commemorative items (collectible poster, postcards, enamel pin, etc.). Limited quantities available — while stocks last.
*** Concessionary tickets are available for full-time students and senior citizens aged 60 or above. Concession ticket holders must present valid proof of identity or age upon entry. Concession tickets for students and senior citizens are available in limited quantities and while stocks last. The concession applies to regular tickets only.
^ Seat selection is not available at the time of purchase. The ticketing system will automatically assign the best available seats. Programme details and seat numbers will be delivered three days prior to the event.
^^ Tickets can be reserved for wheelchair users by phone at 31950602 (Monday to Friday, 11:00-18:00) starting from the first counter sale day. No service fee will be charged and payment will be arranged accordingly.

● System will assign seats after specifying ticket quantity ( max. 4 per transaction ).
● The system will try its best to arrange adjacent seats for tickets in the same transaction, but there may also be cases where the seats are not adjacent. Please check the assigned seats before making the payment. If you cannot accept the assigned seats, please do not confirm the registration.
● Presented in Korean with English & Cantonese translation; duration approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
● One ticket per person. Valid admission tickets must be presented upon entry to the venue.
● Children under 6 are not admitted.
● Venue management reserves the right to deny entry to latecomers. Latecomers may only be admitted at an appropriate break.
● No smoking or eating.
● No unauthorised filming, photography, video, audio recording or use any form of recording of a visual image or sound is allowed.
● Ticket holders must comply with all other venue regulations.
● The Asian Film Awards Academy reserves the right to change the programme, guests in attendance, schedule, or seating arrangements/availability. Any changes may be made without prior notice.