‘Exhuma’, ‘Twilight Of The Warriors: Walled In’ lead Asian Film Awards nominations 2025

South Korea’s horror phenomenon, ‘Exhuma’ and Hong Kong’s critically acclaimed drama, ‘Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In’, have emerged as prominent leaders in the nomination list for the esteemed Asian Film Awards. Adding to the prestige of the event, celebrated martial arts movie icon Sammo Hung has been appointed as the Jury President.

Exhuma and Twilight of the Warriors: Dominating the Nominations

Marking a significant moment in Asian cinema, both Exhuma and Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In, collectively bagged the largest number of nominations in this year’s Asian Film Awards. Exhuma, a chilling horror from South Korea, brilliantly demonstrates the nation’s flair for the genre. Meanwhile, Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In, a stirring, thought-provoking drama from Hong Kong, showcases the industry’s dedication to socially relevant storytelling.

The nominations for these films include categories such as Best Film, Best Director, and Best Screenplay. This recognition underscores the cinematic significance of these works and their contribution to the broader landscape of Asian cinema.

Sammo Hung: The New Jury President

Beyond the leading nominations, another headline-grabbing announcement was the appointment of Sammo Hung as Jury President. Known for his extensive body of work in martial arts cinema, Hung’s appointment signals a nod towards the significant influence of the martial arts genre on Asian cinema. His expertise will provide valuable insight and judgment in determining this year’s winners.

Breaking Down the Nominations: Industry Insights and Analysis

The dominance of Exhuma and Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In in the nominations list signifies a shift in the Asian cinematic landscape. This shift encompasses a greater international recognition for genre films and a growing appreciation for narratives that address pressing social issues, as we see in the case of Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In.

Asian cinema’s ability to masterfully blend entertainment with thought-provoking themes has broadened its global appeal. The nominations also reflect a trend of celebrating diversity and inclusivity within the industry.

Relevant Examples and Context

• Exhuma’s nominations are a testament to South Korea’s prowess in the horror genre. This follows the success of films like ‘Train to Busan’ and ‘Parasite’, which have elevated the global recognition for Korean cinema.
• Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In represents yet another strong cinematic contribution from Hong Kong, a place renowned for its compelling storytelling and socio-political commentary. Previous Hong Kong films like ‘In the Mood for Love’ and ‘Infernal Affairs’ also enjoyed remarkable success at international film festivals.
• Sammo Hung’s appointment as Jury President is an acknowledgement of his significant contributions to martial arts cinema. His influential works like ‘Enter the Dragon’ and ‘The Magnificent Butcher’ have set the bar high for the genre.

Conclusion

The Asian Film Awards nominations for Exhuma and Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In, coupled with the appointment of Sammo Hung as Jury President, mark yet another exciting chapter in Asian cinema. These nominations reflect a maturing industry that is not only growing in confidence but also in international stature. They serve as a testament to the diversity, quality, and breadth of Asian cinema. With this, viewers around the world can look forward to an engaging, rewarding cinematic journey that challenges conventional film boundaries while celebrating the richness of Asian culture and storytelling.