Asian World Film Fest: Oscar Submissions & Key Films

The search results confirm that the Asian World Film Festival (AWFF) is indeed scheduled for November 11-20, 2025, in Culver City, California, as stated in the initial prompt. It also confirms that “No Other Choice” and “The Voice of Hind Rajab” are key films in its lineup, with a strong emphasis on international Oscar submissions.

“No Other Choice” by Park Chan-wook is a 2025 South Korean satirical black comedy thriller that had its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival on August 29, 2025, and opened the 30th Busan International Film Festival on September 17, 2025. It was also selected as the South Korean entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards. It won the inaugural International People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival.

“The Voice of Hind Rajab” by Kaouther Ben Hania is a 2025 docudrama based on the true story of a six-year-old Palestinian girl trapped in Gaza. It had its world premiere at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 3, 2025, where it won the Grand Jury Prize and received a 24-minute standing ovation. It is Tunisia’s official submission for the 98th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category.

The festival will showcase films from over 30 Asian countries, with 20 films selected for the international Oscar race, and 15 films competing for Snow Leopard trophies.

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The Asian World Film Festival (AWFF) is set to captivate audiences from November 11 to 20, 2025, in Culver City, California. This year’s festival boasts a compelling lineup, spotlighting a diverse range of cinematic works from across Asia, with a particular emphasis on international Oscar submissions. Among the highly anticipated titles leading the charge are Park Chan-wook’s ‘No Other Choice’ and Kaouther Ben Hania’s ‘The Voice of Hind Rajab,’ both generating significant industry buzz for their poignant narratives and artistic merit. The festival is poised to showcase films from over 30 Asian countries, featuring 20 selections contending for the prestigious international Oscar race.

Opening and Closing Highlights

The 11th edition of the Asian World Film Festival promises a powerful cinematic journey, commencing with Park Chan-wook’s ‘No Other Choice.’ This 2025 South Korean satirical black comedy thriller has already garnered critical acclaim, having premiered at the Venice International Film Festival and served as the opening film for the 30th Busan International Film Festival. The film, which has also been selected as South Korea’s entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards, explores themes of desperation and ambition through its darkly humorous lens.

Drawing the festival to a close is Kaouther Ben Hania’s ‘The Voice of Hind Rajab,’ a poignant 2025 docudrama. This film, inspired by the true story of a six-year-old Palestinian girl trapped amid conflict in Gaza, made a significant impact at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, where it secured the Grand Jury Prize and received a remarkable 24-minute standing ovation. Tunisia has chosen ‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’ as its official submission for the 98th Academy Awards, positioning it as a strong contender in the international feature category.

International Oscar Submissions and Competition Lineup

A core mission of the AWFF is to elevate Asian cinema on the global stage, and this year’s program strongly reflects that commitment. The festival proudly includes 20 films selected for the international Oscar race, signaling a robust showcase of talent and storytelling destined for worldwide recognition.

Beyond the Oscar hopefuls, a competitive lineup of 15 films will vie for the coveted Snow Leopard trophies. These awards celebrate excellence in various categories, including Best Film, Best Actor, Best Actress, the Jury Discretionary Award, Special Jury Prize, and the Audience Award. This competitive environment fosters a platform for emerging and established filmmakers to receive recognition for their craft.

Premieres and Noteworthy Screenings

In addition to its headliners, the AWFF features a rich array of other acclaimed films and premieres. Noteworthy screenings include:

• Cannes Palme d’Or winner ‘It Was Just an Accident,’ directed by Jafar Panahi.
• ‘A Useful Ghost,’ helmed by Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke.
• ‘Left-Handed Girl,’ from Shih-Ching Tsou.
• ‘Palestine 36’ by Annemarie Jacir.
• ‘All That’s Left of You,’ directed by Cherien Dabis.
• ‘The Things You Kill,’ from Alireza Khatami.

The festival also introduces six world premieres to its audience, offering a first look at promising new works. These include ‘A Sad and Beautiful World,’ another Oscar submission directed by Cyril Aris, alongside ‘Love and Karma,’ ‘Doggy,’ ‘Sisterhood,’ ‘Chronicles of the Forgotten Genocide — The Kissinger Doctrine,’ and ‘The Favor.’

Several films will also have their U.S. premieres, such as the 10th-anniversary celebration of ‘Dragon Blade’ (2015), starring Jackie Chan and Adrien Brody, ‘Marching Boys,’ ‘The Summer Will End,’ and ‘Family Secrets.’ ‘Sore: Wife from the Future’ is scheduled for its North American premiere.

A Celebration of Asian Filmmaking Diversity

Georges N. Chamchoum, Executive Director of the AWFF, emphasizes the festival’s long-standing dedication to showcasing the immense diversity within Asian filmmaking. He noted, “Over the last 11 years, we have championed movies from more than 50 Asian nations and half a dozen autonomous Asian regions, each contributing a unique perspective and artistry.” This commitment ensures that the festival remains a vital platform for stories that thrill, move, and inspire, providing unique insights into the varied cultural landscapes of Asia.

Conclusion

The Asian World Film Festival, running from November 11 to 20, 2025, at the Culver Theatre, stands as a significant event for international cinema. With a lineup that includes acclaimed films like ‘No Other Choice’ and ‘The Voice of Hind Rajab,’ along with numerous international Oscar submissions and premieres, the festival continues its tradition of celebrating the depth and breadth of Asian cinematic artistry. It offers a crucial opportunity for audiences to engage with compelling narratives and diverse perspectives from a vast and vibrant continent. For further details on the full schedule and ticket information, interested attendees can visit asianworldfilmfest.org.