The New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF) is celebrating a major milestone this summer as it marks its 25th anniversary with an expanded lineup of acclaimed filmmakers, blockbuster premieres and special tributes honoring some of Asia’s biggest cinematic stars.
Running from July 10 through July 26, the festival will once again transform New York City into a destination for international film lovers with screenings and events taking place at Film at Lincoln Center, the SVA Theatre, IFC Center, Anthology Film Archives and the Korean Cultural Center New York.
Since its launch 25 years ago, NYAFF has earned a reputation as North America’s leading festival dedicated to Asian cinema, introducing audiences to groundbreaking filmmakers and emerging talent long before they achieved international recognition.
Opening this year’s festival is the North American premiere of Colony, the latest thriller from acclaimed South Korean filmmaker Yeon Sang-ho, whose 2016 zombie blockbuster Train to Busan became a global phenomenon. Fresh from its Cannes Film Festival debut, Colony follows survivors trapped inside a Seoul high-rise as a deadly virus rapidly spreads through the building. Yeon is expected to attend the opening-night screening before the film’s theatrical release later this summer.
Festival organizers are also spotlighting South Korea’s box office resurgence with a special presentation of The King’s Warden, now the country’s highest-grossing film of all time.
Another highlight of the anniversary celebration will be the Opening Weekend Gala honoring internationally acclaimed actress Joan Chen with the Star Asia Lifetime Achievement Award. Chen, whose career spans more than four decades with memorable performances in The Last Emperor, Twin Peaks, Dìdi and Montréal, Ma Belle, will be recognized for her contributions to both Asian and American cinema.
This year’s festival will welcome more than 50 filmmakers from across Asia, many of whom will participate in post-screening discussions and audience Q&A sessions. The lineup balances highly anticipated commercial hits with independent films that have yet to receive widespread U.S. distribution.
Among the festival’s special guests are rising stars Angela Yuen of Hong Kong and Japanese actress Sara Minami, both receiving Screen International Rising Star honors while presenting new films during the event.
Fans of Hong Kong cinema can also look forward to the festival’s annual Hong Kong Panorama, featuring major releases including Cold War 1994, Cyclone and the international debut of director Jack Ng’s extended cut of Night King.
As it celebrates its silver anniversary, the New York Asian Film Festival continues its mission of introducing audiences to the filmmakers, performers and stories shaping the future of global cinema. With blockbuster premieres, award-winning talent and a diverse lineup spanning multiple countries and genres, the 2026 edition promises to be one of the festival’s biggest and most memorable celebrations yet.