AMBASSADORS ASSEMBLE
The Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA) has tapped actor Dean Fujioka as Ambassador for its upcoming 18th edition, along with four Youth Ambassadors who are fellow actors – Aokbab Chutimon (Thailand), Austin Lin (Taiwan), Lo Chun Yip (Hong Kong) and Okada Masaki (Japan).
Fujioka, known for “Fullmetal Alchemist” and winner of Best Actor at the 12th Confidence Drama Awards for “Monte Cristo: A Beautiful Revenge,” started his career in Hong Kong before gaining recognition across Asia in Taiwanese dramas. The Youth Ambassadors bring diverse experience to their roles. Chutimon gained recognition with “Bad Genius” (2017) and won an International Emmy for “Hunger.” Lin received two Golden Horse Award nominations for “I WeirDO” and “Marry My Dead Body,” while Lo earned a Hong Kong Film Award nomination for “Time Still Turns the Pages.” Okada appeared in the Oscar-winning “Drive My Car.”
The Academy, founded by the Busan, Hong Kong, and Tokyo International Film Festivals, will host the awards ceremony in Hong Kong. The event is supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency and the Film Development Fund. The nominations and jury president for AFA18 will be announced on Jan. 10.
DATING DRAMA
Netflix has released the main trailer for the fourth season of Korean dating series “Single’s Inferno,” set to premiere globally Jan. 14. The preview showcases the new cast and highlights upcoming segments including a flirting party, couple games, and nighttime interactions in the show’s signature “Inferno” location, alongside reactions from the commentator panel.
Producers Kim Jae-won, Kim Jung-hyun, and Park Su-ji noted that “the core of Single’s Inferno’s success is the captivating cast” and stated “Season 4 will be the hottest season yet.” The producing team added that viewers “will get to see conflicts you can only find in real-life relationships.”
Returning commentators Hong Jin-kyung, Lee Da-hee, Kyuhyun, Hanhae, and Dex will provide commentary throughout the season.
Since launching in 2021, “Single’s Inferno” has emerged as one of Netflix’s leading unscripted properties. The series has evolved from its initial format in season one through relationship-focused storylines in season two and plot developments in season three. The upcoming fourth season aims to delve deeper into contestants’ emotional journeys through heightened interpersonal dynamics.
JURY JUNCTION
BookMyShow‘s Red Lorry Film Festival (March 21-23) has introduced a competition segment with two categories: The Front Runners (Best Film) and Fresh Frames (Best Debut Film). The competition jury includes filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane (“Udaan,” “Sacred Games”), director Atul Sabharwal (“Berlin,” “Jubilee”), journalist-author Kaveree Bamzai, cineplex chain PVR-INOX executive director Sanjeev Kumar Bijli, actor-dancer Prachee Shah Paandya, and filmmaker Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari (“Bareilly Ki Barfi,” “Panga”). BookMyShow founder-CEO Ashish Hemrajani joins as honorary juror.
