PARIS — The Digital Village at Place d’Italie came alive this week as filmmakers, ambassadors, and cinema enthusiasts gathered for the soft launch of the All Asian Independent Film Festival (AAIFF). The evening marked the beginning of a new chapter for Asian independent cinema, setting the stage for the festival’s sixth edition.

The AAIFF Asia, founded to spotlight emerging and established filmmakers from across Asia, aims to strengthen cultural dialogue through film. During the event, Scott Hillier, President of the festival, spoke about the festival’s mission and the importance of supporting independent voices in global cinema.

“We’re making the world a little bit better, one independent film at a time,” Hillier explained. “Independent filmmakers, wherever they are, are getting their films screened in Paris tonight, in front of ambassadors, cinephiles, and members of the local creative community.”

The soft launch served celebrates independent cinema, the festival’s commitment to amplifying diverse perspectives, and connecting filmmakers with international audiences.

Along with A highlight of the evening was the special screening of If You Forgive Me, directed by Korean filmmaker, Nawoo Baek, a returning participant from AAIFF Asia 2024. The film tells the poignant story of a Korean woman who returns home upon learning of her mother’s passing. Too late to attend the funeral, she must confront the emotional distance that time and circumstance have created.

The director’s presence at the event underscored the festival’s ethos of continuity and community. This year, Nawoo Baek returns not as a competitor but as a member of the AAIFF 2025 jury, bringing her unique perspective to the next generation of independent filmmakers.

As the evening unfolded under the soft purple lights of the Paris venue, Nawoo also shared her experience working independently – a process she described as both challenging and empowering.

“It took only six days to film,” she explained. “Before that, I did so many kinds of jobs: translating subtitles for documentaries, working in TV drama production, even making movies with middle school students. It gave me a sense of strength and understanding about how to collaborate with different kinds of professionals.”

Looking ahead, she offered a glimpse into her creative path and a piece of advice for aspiring filmmakers.

“Now I feel like I am doing my own creative work,” she said. “After school, I had an opportunity to write a drama, so I continued that, and I already have another short film project lined up,” she said.

When asked whether it is easy to be a young female filmmaker, her answer was unequivocal.

“Absolutely not,” she admitted. “But is it worth it? I think so. I have friends who are screenwriters, actors, even technicians, and it’s not easy for any of us. Everyone is still figuring it out. But that’s the life of an independent filmmaker.”

Pushing boundaries remains central to her artistic vision. Her next project, she revealed, will explore Asian identity through the lens of BDSM, a bold and provocative theme that challenges stereotypes and opens new conversations about representation and intimacy.

The evening also welcomed Alaa Alsibai, a former ÉCU intern, as a special guest. Now studying directing, he reflected on how his internship helped shape his career.

“It was a pretty nice start-up experience,” he said. “I told them on the spot, ‘Listen guys, I think I can do more.’ I liked the work so much I didn’t mind doing it without being paid. I finished my internship two years ago, and I still show up.”

Festival president Scott Hillier also offered words of encouragement to young creatives navigating the film industry.

“Do as much as you can, as often as you can, because creativity is a skill,” he advised. “Be early, do a good job, and be nice.”

As the night drew to a close, the sense of community and creative energy was a testament to the passion that fuels independent cinema and this festival.

The ÉCU team announced that the official 2025 selection will be revealed this Thursday, promising another exciting step forward for Asian filmmakers and film lovers alike. The AAIFF Asia will take place from the 5th to the 7th of December, where a filmmaker will be crowned Best Asian Independent film 2025.

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Written by Soraya Keïta and Nina Sunko