All about the 23 edition of the Asian Film Festival in Rome, taking place on 7-15 April 2026.

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Since 2003, the Asian Film Festival has brought together some of the finest talents in Far Eastern cinema. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the history and cultures of East Asian countries through an artistic lens, with personal stories of intimacy, trauma, friendship, and love. This year, the festival is expected to take place at Cinema Farnese Arthouse in Rome from April 7 to April 15, 2026.

Directed by Antonio Termenini, the festival will feature 36 films — 18 in competition, 9 in the Newcomers section, and 9 out of competition — as well as 10 short films. More than 12 Asian countries will be represented throughout the festival.

The directorial debut of Shu Qi, Girl (2025), will open the festival. First premiered in competition at the 2025 Venice Film Festival and nominated for the Golden Lion, Girl follows the life of a young Taiwanese girl trying to escape her painful past. Loosely based on Qi’s childhood, the film is a delicate portrayal of female adolescence amid the changes of contemporary Asian society.

Other anticipated titles include Morte Cucina and Human Resource from Thailand; Siapa Dia and Whisper in the Dabbas from Indonesia; and Magellan and Moonglow from the Philippines. South Korea sets a festival record with eight films, ranging from gripping thrillers to more intimate and introspective works. Japan joins the lineup with two highly anticipated titles: Love on Trial by Fukada Koji and Sham by Miike Takashi.

The festival closes on April 15 with the awards ceremony and screenings of two major titles: She Has No Name by Hong Kong master Peter Chan and The Ugly by Yeon Sang-ho, bringing to an end an edition marked by variety, research, and quality.

International guests will include Koji Fukada, Garin Nugroho, Isabel Sandoval, and Lee Kwang-kuk, among the most interesting voices in contemporary Asian cinema.

The festival will also host the Italian premiere of Love on Trial (2025), directed by Fukada Koji, at the Japanese Institute of Culture on April 10. The screening will be followed by a special Q&A with the director.

The jury will present five awards: Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Most Original Film. All films will be screened in their original language with Italian subtitles.

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