Director in Focus

Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit

Thailand's stylistic chameleon of cinema! Seamlessly blending commercial and indie vibes, HKAFF will showcase his latest gem Human Resource, alongside classics like 36, Mary Is Happy, Mary Is Happy, The Master, and Die Tomorrow. Nawapol will join us for a post-screening talk and Q&A, don't miss out! 

Lee Sang-il, Director of Kokuko

Japan;s award-winning maestro behind Villain and Rage! Known for delving deep into society's shadows and conflicts, this is his third adaptation of Shuichi Yoshida's works. Smashed 15 billion yen at the Japanese box office, hailed as a "once-in-a-century masterpiece".

Chie Hayakawa, Director of Renoir

From her work on Ten Years Japan (produced by Hirokazu Kore-eda) to her feature Plan 75, which earned a Special Mention at Cannes' Caméra d'Or, Chie's second film tells a tender coming-of-age tale of a girl growing up in the 80s and her formative loneliness and loss, landing her in Cannes' main competition!

Yoon Ga-eun, Director of The World of Love

Praised by Bong Joon-ho as a next-gen master, her capability of capturing kids' worlds emulates Abbas Kiarostami and Hirokazu Kore-eda! Her latest film is a masterful exploration of the complex inner psyche of a seemingly cheerful teenage girl, earning rave reviews at TIFF with audiences left emotionally charged—but Yoon exhorts—no spoilers!!