As the opening attraction of Entertainment Expo Hong Kong 2008, the 2nd Asian Film Awards (AFA) will celebrate excellence in Asian cinema in a gala award ceremony at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 17 March 2008. Organized by the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society, sponsored by Hong Kong’s Film Development Fund and Trade Development Council, AFA is one of the largest and most prestigious film awards in Asia. This year’s edition has attracted world-renowned directors, stars and celebrities whose presence on the red carpet and at the ceremony will undoubtedly be a magnet for both local and international media.

Confirmed celebrities gracing the Award gala
Nominees and presenters confirmed to attend include international superstar Jet Li, last year’s AFA Best Actress winner, Nakatani Miki, from Secret Sunshine, Korea’s Song Kong-ho, Japanese actor Asano Tadanobu of the 2008 Oscar nominated Best Foreign Language Film, Mongol, famed Japanese director of Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t and I Just Didn’t Do It, Suo Masayuki, multi-award winning Taiwanese director Tsai Ming-liang, the two protagonists from Lust, Caution: Tang Wei and Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Korean actress Song Hye-kyo, Japan’s Kase Ryo from I just Didn’t Do It, and featuring Asian chart-topper Stephanie Sun as a musical performer.

The AFA Trophy
The AFA trophy has been specially designed for the occasion by Hong Kong’s famed Production Designer, William Chang, who describes the inspiration behind the artwork as a combination of the architectural drawings he admires and his own collection of antique statues. The trophy, measuring 36cm (14 in) in height, is a handmade sculpture signifying the joy and accomplishment of all the award winners.

TVB - Official Broadcaster of AFA
The ceremony will be broadcast live in Hong Kong on TVB Pearl, the territory’s dominant English- language channel, and televised in other parts of Asia, Australia, Europe, and the US.

Mission Hills Group extends its legendary hospitality from the fairway to the red carpet
AFA is honored to have the Mission Hills Group as the principal sponsor of the 2nd Asian Film Awards. The Mission Hills Group has been actively involved in the promotion of international cultural exchange through sponsorships, and aims to inspire Asian filmmakers to continue to strive for excellence in their creative work. As Dr. David Chu, Chairman of Mission Hills Group, explains: “Mission Hills Group is truly thrilled to be the principal sponsor of the 2nd Asian Film Awards, an initiative which seeks to unite eminent Asian filmmakers and honor their endeavors by raising the profile of their achievements internationally.” Situated in Southern China and stretching across Shenzen and Dongguan, Mission Hills is the world’s No. 1 golf club. Designed by twelve world-renowned golf legends, it’s an international golf community that combines golfing with relaxation, business and lifestyle.