(Macao,  March 16, 2016) – The Asian Film Awards (AFA), organized by the Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA), hosted  a star-studded welcome dinner at Conrad Macao, Cotai Central tonight as a prelude to the gala awards event which will be held on Mar. 17, 2016.  The event saw celebrities, sponsors and VIP guests came together to celebrate the film industry in Asia and enjoy an evening of celebration and entertainment.

Inaugurated in 2007, the Asian Film Awards (AFA) celebrates excellence in Asian cinema through the annual presentation of awards to the many diverse talents and films that make up the dynamic film industries across  the region. This year, the AFA is sponsored by Sands Resorts Cotai Strip Macao and The Venetian® Macao, with Cotai Water Jet as the official ferry operator. The ceremony will be held on March 17, 2016 (Thursday) at The Venetian Theatre at The Venetian Macao, one of the most luxurious entertainment venues in Greater China.

AFA is once again supported by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) along with the collaboration of various Macau organizations, including Macao Foundation, Macau Artistes Association, Suncity Group, Macau Group, MBL and Taipa Village who will  jointly present “The 10th Asian Film Awards Welcome Dinner”, in order to welcome the honourable nominees, guests, co-organizers, partners, and industry representatives who will  join us at this year’s Award Ceremony. Representatives of the three founding organizations of AFA, including Dr. Wilfred Wong Ying-wai,GBS,JP, President of AFA Academy and Hong Kong International Film Festival; Mr. KIM Dong-ho, Honorary Director of Busan International Film Festival; as well as Mr. Yasushi Shiina, Director General of TIFFCOM, also attended the welcome dinner to celebrate the spectacular event.

This year, Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA)  for the first time will partner with  the acclaimed U.S. luxury jewellery brand ‘Hearts On Fire’ to present the Hearts On Fire-AFA Special Awards to recognize the achievements of outstanding legends and icons in the Asian film industry. Two Rising Star of Asia Awards will go to Hong Kong singer-cum-actor Pakho Chau and Korean actress Clara Lee. Receiving his first movie award, Pakho started as a teenager modeling  for many luxury brands, and he made his debut as a singer back in 2007. Passionate about both music and writing songs, his talent and creativity have earned him numerous awards over the years, establishing him as one of the top singers in Hong Kong. Pakho made his screen debut in Love Is Elsewhere in 2008, and soon took up various challenging leading roles. His roles as a fervent young doctor in I Sell Love, a cheating husband in S for Sex, S for Secret, and a billionaire in Love Detective made a lasting   impression on his  audiences. 2015 was  a breakthrough for him and  he was highly acclaimed for his role as Elephant Man a cold-blooded killer in Guilty, and recently, he created a theme song for My Wife is a Superstar, singing the voice of the  husband.

Meanwhile, Clara had starred in many TV drama series since 2005, and made her big-screen debut in Five Senses of Eros in 2009. A sexy icon, she also ranked second in Mode Lifestyle Magazine – 100 Most Beautiful Women In The World in 2014 and has been regarded as “the most beautiful Asian woman” since she was the only Asian star on the list. Her lively performance as a medical intern in the popular TV drama series Emergency Couple further strengthened her fan base. Clara also made a spectacular presence in Hong Kong by starring in her first action film Line Walker produced in Hong Kong, and Prince, in which she partnered with actors from mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, which will also be in theatres soon. The promising actress will serve as the hostess of the 10th Asian Film Awards Ceremony to be held on Thursday, March 17. With a great passion for acting, Pakho and Clara are thrilled to receive the honors and will strive to master every role with excellence.

For further information on Hearts On Fire-AFA Special Awards, please visit the official website: http://www.asianfilmawards.asia/

(Press release and photos courtesy of Asian Film Awards Academy)