Since its founding year in 2002, the New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF) has served as a creative platform for Asia’s most innovative and imaginative storytellers to thrive globally. The festival is now entering its 25th year as the premier year-round program that bridges film culture across Asia and America. The NYAFF has redefined creative direction and production as well, from an industry and profession to a timeless art form and discipline fueled by human narratives, historical milestones, and vast backgrounds from each participating country.

Over two decades later, the NYAFF continues to champion Asia’s standout movies and uphold the filmmaking practice that’s rooted in history and identities for future generations. Asia’s most prominent artists and voices have even graced the annual event. Some of which include Anne Curtis, Jackie Chan, and “Squid Game’s” Lee Jung-jae and Lee Byung-hun. 

Photo: Cinemalaya Foundation Inc, Viva Trending, Project 8 Projects, The IdeaFirst Company

This year’s NYAFF runs from July 11 to 27 with the theme, “Cinema as Disruption.” A stellar roster of over 60 Asian films will make their international and North American premieres. Their directors, producers, and lead actors will also drop by for talks and Q&A sessions, showcasing diverse talents and mastery of their craft at the forefront of the festival. Our Filipino filmmakers and movie stars will showcase four films that will represent the country, its people, and their voices during the month-long program.

You may have already heard of, watched, or logged these proudly Pinoy movies in your Letterboxd accounts before. It’s about time the world did, too. While these star-studded titles raise our flag at the NYAFF, here’s why they’re fully deserving of our support and recognition back in our homeland. 

The Hearing (2024)

This gripping documentary by director Lawrence Fajardo first premiered at the 20th Cinemalaya Film Festival for independent creatives, artists, and filmmakers. “The Hearing” follows Lucas (Enzo Osorio), a deaf boy who braves a legal battle against an influential priest who sexually abuses him. Sign language interpreter Maya (Mylene Dizon) joins Lucas and his family in their pursuit of justice and their urge to dismantle a ruthless, manipulative system of local authorities. 

“There’s a stronger sense of urgency in stories that demand to be told because action must be taken…Legal language is difficult enough to understand for the average hearing person, so how does one who cannot hear and express themselves understand and be understood as they fight for their rights as human beings?” Fajardo shared in his Cinemalaya Director’s Statement. He strived to shed light on the countless stories of abuse and injustice among deaf children in the Philippines that often stay unaddressed for years due to language barriers and legal complications.

The film’s participation in last year’s Cinemalaya and this year’s NYAFF demands a heightened sense of urgency to properly protect and uphold the rights of Filipino youth, especially when they’re put in vulnerable positions that attempt to silence them. Fajardo will be holding a Q&A session and introduction to “The Hearing” at the NYAFF on July 21, following the film’s festival premiere on July 11.

Sunshine (2024)

After earning multiple international film festival awards and announcing a theatrical release in the Philippines, Antoinette Jadaone’s “Sunshine” will bring its story of reclamation, redemption, and womanhood to this year’s NYAFF. Maris Racal powerfully portrays the titular character, a young gymnast whose unexpected pregnancy turns her life upside down and puts her Olympian dreams in jeopardy. This month, the entire nation continues to root for the film’s exceptional cast and producers, just like how Sunshine’s fans, mentors, and loved ones await her athletic breakthrough.

The film’s world tour and homecoming premiere have been a hit all around. On July 2, it won the Narrative Feature Jury Award and Narrative Feature Audience Award at the Austin Asian American Film Festival (AAAFF). Those are two of many well-deserved achievements for a drama that explores the complex, pressing realities among young Filipinos today with a critical eye and an unshakable heart. 

Lilim (2025)

“Lilim” takes the religious aspects of Filipino myths and ramps up the horror to a hundred. “Hell is a place on earth” in this eerie Mikhail Red film. It offers a darker and more suspenseful perspective on the signs, acts, and definitions of faith we grew up with. When Issa (played by Heaven Peralejo) and her younger brother seek shelter in a secluded orphanage to escape the violence they’ve endured at home, they slowly bear witness to the so-called sanctuary’s merciless rituals in honor of a nocturnal deity they worship.

“Lilim” was an official entry to the 2025 International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) in the Netherlands. This month, Red and Peralejo will represent the “Lilim” team at the NYAFF with an introduction and Q&A session to accompany the film’s North American premiere.

Flower Girl (2025)

You just can’t keep this “Flower Girl” down. Everything’s coming up roses for one of this year’s standout comedies with a glowing purpose and heartfelt universal message best fit for the global stage. Sue Ramirez shines as the candid and outspoken Ena, who bears a time-bound curse that makes her vagina vanish after she tactlessly insults a trans woman. Ena must face the consequences of her cruel remarks head-on to find a partner who’ll love her despite her mistakes and missing parts. The delightfully unhinged film also marks the big-screen debuts of “Drag Race Philippines” Season 3’s iconic sibling duo, Maxie Andreison and Angel Galang.  

“Flower Girl” is set to bring tons of laughs and life lessons as the 2025 NYAFF’s closing film. Ramirez will join writer and director Fatrick Tabada for an introduction and Q&A session that will guarantee an unforgettable international premiere night.

ALSO READ: These Iconic Filipino Films Are Returning to Cinemas This Pride Month

Have you already watched these Filipino films before their NYAFF screenings this year? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

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