- The Beverly Arts
- Nov 4, 2025
Updated: Dec 4, 2025
Eleventh Annual Festival Debuts Six World Premieres, Runs November 11-20th in Culver City
The 11th Annual Asian World Film Festival (AWFF) held it's opening night on November 11th at the Culver City Theater in Culver City, California. Members of the Los Angeles Beverly Arts (LABA), TV host Joey Zhou, founder of LABA, Harrison Engle, LABA board member, and Dr. Johnny Rock, attended the red carpet opening ceremony along with celebrities, filmmakers, and invited guests. The featured film was "No Other Choice," a dark comedy/thriller and Oscar submission directed by Park Chan-wook, a South Korean filmmaker. Chanwook is a leading figure in South Korean and 21st-century world cinema, known for films that blend crime, mystery, and thriller elements with other genres.
TV host Joey Zhou, founder of LABA, and Harrison Engle, LABA board member
TV host Joey Zhou, founder of LABA, and Dr. Johnny Rock
The AWFF Opening Ceremony with speaker Georges Chamchoum, Executive Director of AWFF, and Asel Sherniyazova, Co-Founder and Managing Director of AWFF
TV host Joey Zhou, founder of LABA, Dr. Johnny Rock, and Harrison Engle, LABA board member attending the opening ceremony and film screening
Here is the official press release from AWFF:
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Asian World Film Festival (AWFF) unveiled the first wave of programming for its 11th edition, naming the opening night, closing night, centerpiece and competition titles and the Asian Vision Program highlighting emerging filmmakers. At the same time, the festival announced its main jury lineup. This year's event amplifies AWFF's legacy, spotlights talent from across Asia—from visionary newcomers to acclaimed masters — and celebrates the artistry that continues to enrich and expand global cinema. AWFF 2025 takes place Nov. 11-20, 2025, at the Culver Theater in Culver City, California. Ticket information can be found at asianworldfilmfest.org.
AWFF's slate showcases notable films from more than 30 Asian countries. Over 10 days, the festival will screen more than 45 titles, including 20 official Oscar® submissions for Best International Feature Film. Fifteen films will screen in competition for Snow Leopard trophies for Best Film, Best Actor, Best Actress, Jury Discretionary Award, Special Jury Prize and Audience Award.
'There are six world premieres: Oscar submission "A Sad and Beautiful World" (Lebanon); "Love and Karma" (U.S.), directed by Ilara Venzara and Giovannie Espiritu; "Doggy" (Russia), directed by Slava Ross; "Sisterhood" (South Korea), directed by Yoon Eun-kyoung; "Chronicles of the Forgotten Genocide—The Kissinger Doctrine" (India), directed by Ramesh Sharma; and "The Favor" (South Korea), directed by Shin Joo.
Four titles are U.S. premieres: "Dragon Blade" (2015, celebrating its 10th anniversary), directed by Daniel Lee and starring Jackie Chan, Adrien Brody and Cyril Cusack; "Marching Boys" (Taiwan), directed by Jui-Chih Chiang; "The Summer Will End" (Russia), directed by Maksim Arbugaev and Vladimir Munkuev; and "Family Secrets" (South Korea), directed by Lee Sang-hoon. "Sore: Wife from the Future," directed by Yandy Laurens, is a North American premiere.
"From the beginning, our mission has been to celebrate the remarkable diversity of Asian filmmaking," said Georges N. Chamchoum, AWFF Executive Director. "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. Their stories have thrilled us, moved us, inspired us, and provided a glimpse into the vibrant soul of Asia."
AWFF 2025's selections include acclaimed films from festivals worldwide. Among them are Cannes Palme d'Or winner "It Was Just an Accident" (Iran/France), directed by Jafar Panahi; "A Useful Ghost" (Thailand), directed by Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke and "Left-Handed Girl" (Taiwan), directed by Shih-Ching Tsou—both Cannes Critics' Week selections; "The Voice of Hind Rajab" (Tunisia), directed by Kaouther Ben Hania and "No Other Choice" (South Korea), directed by Park Chan-wook--both of which screened in competition at the Venice Film Festival; "Palestine 36" (Palestine), directed by Annemarie Jacir, a Toronto International Film Festival selection; and "All That's Left of You" (Jordan), directed by Cherien Dabis and "The Things You Kill" (Canada), directed by Alireza Khatami--both Sundance Film Festival selections.
Opening Night Film
* "No Other Choice" (South Korea) - black comedy/thriller directed by Park Chan-wook (Oscar submission)
Closing Night Film
* "The Voice of Hind Rajab" (Tunisia/France) - docudrama directed by Kaouther Ben Hania (Oscar submission)
Centerpiece Films
* "Palestine 36" (Palestine) – historical drama directed by Annemarie Jacir (Oscar submission)
* "Left-Handed Girl" (Taiwan) – family drama directed by Shih-Ching Tsou (Oscar submission)
Asian Vision Program
* "Voice" (Japan) – three-part family drama directed by Yukio Mishima
* "Evacuation" (Kazakhstan) – World War II drama directed by Farkhat Sharipov
* "Shalz" (Mongolia) – action-adventure directed by Amarsaikhan Baljinnyam
* "Pooja Sir" (Nepal) – crime thriller directed by Deepak Rauniyar
* "Doggy" (Russia) – romantic-thriller directed by Slava Ross
* "Marching Boys" (Taiwan) – inspirational drama directed by Chiang Jui-chih
* "The Summer Will End" (Republic of Sakha) – crime thriller directed by Maksim Arbugaev and Vladimir Munkuev
Feature Film Jury
* Binying (jury president) – award-winning Chinese filmmaker
* Anna Chi – celebrated Chinese filmmaker
* Najia Khaan - Afghan-British filmmaker and award-winning actress
* Joanne Goh – entertainment executive and producer
* Said Faraj – award-winning actor
* Woody Mu – film educator, producer and entertainment executive
Asian World Film Festival Sponsors
Samsung Onyx; Emporium Thai; Jackson Market; Samsung Onyx; New York Film Academy (NYFA); M Film Lab; Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles (KCCLA); Pechanga Resort Casino; TAICA Corporation; Taiwan Academy; Bruce Lee Foundation; My Personal Driver; WDA; The DCP Company
About Asian World Film Festival
Founded in 2015 by Kyrgyz public figure Sadyk Sher-Niyaz, the Asian World Film Festival celebrates cinematic excellence rooted in culture, storytelling and global collaboration. The festival brings the best of Asian cinema to Los Angeles and strengthens creative exchange between East and West. AWFF screens feature films from across Asia—from Japan to Turkey and from Russia to India and Southeast Asia. Renowned as a launchpad for awards-season contenders, AWFF remains the only Los Angeles–based festival presenting the majority of Asian submissions for the Academy Award® Best International Feature and the Golden Globe® Best Motion Picture, Non-English Language categories. AWFF is a nonprofit under Aitysh USA.
Follow AWFF on:
* X: @asianworldff
* Facebook: AsianWorldFilmFest
* Instagram: @asianworldff
* YouTube: Asian World Film Festival
SOURCE: Asian World Film Festival
The Beverly Arts News is sponsored by Universal Artifacts Token, Token Works, USSCA Chinese Economic & Culture Association, World Peace One, MDSUN, XAVVI, Shennel Trading, InLight Foundation, Cynthia Clarté, Jiannan Huang Art Institute, Galaxy Community, Xiuwen Wang Art Studio, and The Beverly Arts Foundation
- The Beverly Arts
- Oct 10, 2025
Updated: Oct 11, 2025
Artist Rosana Largo Rodríguez with her Gold Medal from the Society of Francophone Authors and Artists
Chantilly, France. 4th October, 2025. Artist Rosana Largo Rodríguez was honored with the Gold Medal by the Society of Francophone Authors and Artists, in an elegant ceremony at the Château de Montvillargenne in Chantilly, France. The venue featured a dream-like stage that seemed to have stepped out of a fairy tale, an enchanting backdrop, just perfect for the dress she designed for this occassion. This honor, championed by its President Aldina Mateus, the jury, and the entire team, is a testament to Rosana's artistic talents in hyper-realist painting.
Rosana Largo Rodríguez's Gold Medal from the Society of Francophone Authors and Artists
Dressed in a mesmerizing gown adorned with one of her own artworks, Rosana instantly captivated the crowd. “The audience smiled and commented in wonder… I turned around, moved, and all I could say was, ‘Merci beaucoup,’” she recalled. For her, receiving the award was nothing short of magical, one of those that reminds us why art has the power to move us without need for words. She dedicated the medal to the Virgin of Carejas of Paredes de Nava, fulfilling a deeply felt promise, and to her homeland, Castilla y León in Spain.
The audience enjoys the presentation of Rosana Largo Rodríguez
During the evening, with a cocktail reception and dinner in the château, one of her most artistic evening gowns was exhibited, the one that she wore to the Goya Awards Gala last year in Valladolid, Spain.
The Gold Medal certificate from the Society of Francophone Authors and Artists
After receiving the Gold Medal in Chantilly, Rosana's next stop was in Saint-Geneviève-des-
Bois, in Essonne, France. There she had the honor of receiving the First Prize in Hyperrealist Painting, for an art piece that created tremendous curiosity called “The Plastic Painting.” Rosana added some insight on the technique, "The complexity of this 100 × 100 cm painting lies in the fact that it is two pictures in one, first I painted the woman, and then the plastic that envelopes her, layer upon layer, playing with transparency, light, and the message.
Artist Rosana Largo Rodríguez with her painting "The Plastic Painting" and her certificate from Société des Artistes du Hurepoix
It was an unforgettable day for Rosana, full of admiration and affection. She thanked the town’s mayor, Frédéric Petitta, and the President of the Société des Artistes du Hurepoix Association, Jean-Jacques Curt, who had some nice words to say about her. The mayor gave her a compliment on her work, “We shall have to go and buy more paintings from Spain.”
Artist Rosana Largo Rodríguez with her certificate
"I am deeply proud to serve as the European Delegate of the International Artistic Organization, the Los Angeles Beverly Arts (LABA), headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. This position is an honor of the highest order, as LABA stands among the world’s most significant and influential artistic institutions, committed to promoting culture and nurturing the creative spirit across borders," Rosana stated.
Artist Rosana Largo Rodríguez at the celebration
She continued, "I am sincerely grateful for the unconditional support I have received from the entire LABA team. My heartfelt thanks go especially to the founder of LABA, TV host Joey Zhou, whose vision and dedication have shaped LABA into a beacon of artistic excellence and collaboration. It is a privilege and a joy to contribute to this vibrant international community, and to help further its mission of connecting artists, ideas, and audiences everywhere.""
Artist Rosana Largo Rodríguez at the celebration
About Rosana Rosana Largo Rodríguez
Rosana Largo Rodríguez is a Spanish artist who creates contemporary surrealist paintings inspired by classical techniques. She incorporates a variety of techniques and materials to create engaging visual elements and chromatic softness. Largo is the Director of the Museum of Science and Children's Literature in Spain and has exhibited her works in galleries throughout the world. She has received many awards including the Michelangelo International Prize in Rome in 2019, one of the most prestigious art awards to be received, as well as the Top 10 LABA-MIMV Artist Award in 2022, and LABA Icon Award in 2023.
The Beverly Arts News is sponsored by Universal Artifacts Token, Token Works, USSCA Chinese Economic & Culture Association, World Peace One, MDSUN, XAVVI, Shennel Trading, InLight Foundation, Cynthia Clarté, Jiannan Huang Art Institute, Galaxy Community, Xiuwen Wang Art Studio, and The Beverly Arts Foundation
- The Beverly Arts
- Oct 3, 2025
Updated: Oct 10, 2025
The signing ceremony with Peter Wu, XAVVI CEO, representatives from AllValue, and Zheng Chen, CFO of XAVVI and President of the Association of North American Universities
Los Angeles, California, USA. 25th September, 2025. XAVVI and AllValue successfully held the "AI Entrepreneur Conference," bringing together dozens of influencers with millions of followers in Los Angeles to explore how AI will drive new business models for the future. Co-hosted by XAVVI and AllValue, the conference, themed "AI Leading New Business Models for the Future," attracted dozens of influencers with millions of followers from Southern California, as well as numerous e-commerce and business professionals, to discuss how AI will drive future business growth and transformation. The "AI Entrepreneur Conference" was held at XAVVI offices on the 5th floor of the 801 Building in downtown Los Angeles.
Mengqi Huang, founder of LeaderXport Overseas Alliance and internet celebrity host, delivered a speech and presided over the meeting
The conference officially opened at 1:00 PM with a speech by Huang Mengqi, founder of the LeaderXport Global Alliance and a popular influencer host. His relaxed and professional style set a lively atmosphere. Business leaders Shen Qun and Lin Guang then delivered speeches, sharing their industry-wide insights on the future development of AI and cross-border e-commerce. As one of the featured guests, AllValue North America CEO Chen Feng delivered a keynote speech titled "Xiaohongshu's Traffic Trends in the US," detailing Xiaohongshu's user ecosystem and development potential in the North American market. Vadin, AllValue's West Coast Head of Business, presented a keynote speech titled "How Merchants Can Acquire Customers on Xiaohongshu," providing practical methods and growth paths for merchants present.
CEO Feng Chen,Youzan AllValue North America, gives a keynote speech
XAVVI CEO Peter Wu delivered two keynote speeches at the conference, respectively introducing the latest achievements in "AI Certified Professional" and "AI Commercialization and AI Micro-Short Drama E-commerce." He emphasized that AI is not just a tool but a key force reshaping the global e-commerce landscape. XAVVI, through its unique AI algorithms and content strategies, has incubated over 100 influencer accounts, helping creators with millions of followers efficiently convert traffic into revenue. The company is also building a new business ecosystem that integrates AI technology, global brand expansion, and the influencer economy.
XAVVI CEO Peter Wu officially launches AICP (AI Certified Professional) professional talent certification system
At the conference, Peter Wu grandly launched XAVVI's new e-commerce project, the "High-end Dress Membership E-commerce Platform," offering a $10 monthly membership fee to captivate American women in the social world.
Zheng Chen, CFO of XAVVI and President of the Association of North American Universities, gives a speech
Hank Lee, XAVVI Creative Director, speaks to the audience
XAVVI executive Dr. Zan
Notably, the conference featured dozens of US influencers with millions of followers. They engaged in face-to-face discussions with representatives from participating businesses, sharing their latest experiences in content creation and monetization. The event culminated in a partnership signing ceremony and afternoon tea session, bringing the atmosphere to a climax. In-depth conversations between attendees and influencers sparked further collaboration opportunities.
XAVVI CEO Peter Wu accepts interviews from major media reporters
This "AI Entrepreneur Conference" not only shared cutting-edge trends in the AI and e-commerce industries, but also provided an efficient platform for communication and collaboration between brands, businesses, and content creators in China and the US. As XAVVI CEO Peter Wu stated in an interview, "The future belongs to entrepreneurs who dare to seize the opportunities presented by AI. XAVVI's mission is to make AI a driving force in the global e-commerce and influencer economy, helping brands expand globally, influencers grow, and industries upgrade, thereby ushering in a new era of cross-border e-commerce."
Speakers and representatives of XAVVI and AllValue pose for a photo
The guests who came to the conference included: Mia, the person in charge of the Monterey Park AI Service Center in Southern California A District, Angie Wang, the person in charge of the Pasadena AI Service Center in Southern California B District, Shi Jing, the person in charge of the Rowland Heights AI Service Center in Southern California C District, Wendy Liu, the person in charge of the Chino Hills AI Service Center in Southern California D District, Huang Xiaorong, the person in charge of the Orange County AI Service Center in Southern California E District and Asia America International, Rocky Zheng, the person in charge of the Irvine AI Service Center in Southern California F District and Chairman of Asia America International, Chris, the person in charge of the Long Beach AI Service Center in Southern California G District, Tony Xu, the person in charge of the San Diego AI Service Center in Southern California J District, Sue Guan (Susu), the person in charge of the San Francisco AI Service Center in Northern California A District and the founder of the Health Management School of International Medical University, Jiang Nan, the person in charge of the AI Service Center in Northern California D District and the founder of the Precision Health Management Experience Center of International Medical University, Zhang Shihan (Annie), the person in charge of the East Bay AI Service Center in Northern California B District, Zhuang, the person in charge of the AI Service Center in Las Vegas A District and the Chairman of See Canyon Group, Rosalind Fu, the person in charge of the AI Service Center in Las Vegas B District and the CEO of See Canyon, and Tiffany Huang, General Manager of the AI Service Center, and others will work together to cultivate a large number of AI professionals for the local market and serve the American and Chinese restaurants, real estate, financial management and insurance, beauty and other fields, giving traditional industries the wings of AI.
The Beverly Arts News is sponsored by Universal Artifacts Token, Token Works, USSCA Chinese Economic & Culture Association, World Peace One, MDSUN, XAVVI, Shennel Trading, InLight Foundation, Cynthia Clarté, Jiannan Huang Art Institute, Galaxy Community, Xiuwen Wang Art Studio, and The Beverly Arts Foundation