Philippines’s ‘Cross My Heart’ wins Best Short Film at NYAFF

The 23rd edition of the New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF) wrapped up a blockbuster 17-day run on July 28 with screenings of over 90 films featuring new and classic titles from China, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, Mongolia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

The Best Short Film Award went to “Cross My Heart and Hope to Die,” from the Philippines’ Sam Manacsa, with the jury commenting: “Cinema is a reflection of the human spirit. The film we chose was actually the only film of the 26 that made it on the individual list of all four judges.”

The provocative storyline mirrors Mila’s life struggles working in a depressing job for very little pay. Until tragedy strikes and someone is found dead in the workplace. The frequent phone calls from the mysterious suspect, who pays her attention,  provides a glimmer of romance to her dreary life.

“Cross my Heart” is directed by Sam Manacsa.

She explains the storyline in an interview with Talking Shorts: “The story is based on the experience of someone I know: a young woman who witnessed the murder of her boss and was told to clean up the mess. In the Philippines, when a murder like this happens, it’s up to the owner of the place to tidy up. They usually ask someone they know for safety reasons.”

The NYAFF 2024 Audience Award went to the pan-Asian box-office smash “How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies.” The film, from Thai director Pat Boonnitipat, stars superstar Billkin as a slacker who quits his job to become his grandma’s caregiver.

Audience Award runner-ups were Soi Cheang’s nonstop actioner “Twilight Warrior: Walled In,” followed by a tie for third place between Taiwanese director Leo Wang’s “Breaking and Re-entering,” a hilarious reverse-heist action-comedy with a star-studded cast; and Japanese director Kazuya Shiraishi’s epic yet elegiac jidaigeki samurai film “Bushido.”

The Uncaged Award for Best Feature Film went to “Snow in Midsummer” (Chong Keat Aun, Malaysia/Taiwan/Singapore), which just made history in Malaysia, where it became the first film about the tragic riots of May 13, 1969 to ever be released. The jury cited “its rich, layered, and emotionally complex portrayal of a largely forgotten injustice, which does what cinema at its best can do: it reminds us that some things should not remain forgotten and that through stories, we can explore the depths of human experience, confront painful truths, and foster greater understanding and empathy.”

Closing out the festival, NYAFF executive director and President of the New York Asian Film Foundation Samuel Jamier told the audience, “The 23rd edition of the New York Asian Film Festival has shattered expectations, proving that Asian cinema’s appeal continues to surge across the city. With our expanded lineup of nearly 100 films across five screens, we’ve witnessed an unprecedented 33% growth in both attendance and box office revenue. One-third of our screenings sold out within days, a testament to New Yorkers’ appetite for diverse storytelling…This year’s festival also showcased a broader range of narratives, from intimate personal dramas to epic historical sagas, reflecting the rich tapestry of Asian storytelling. As we hosted 130 filmmakers and special guests, the festival has truly become the nexus for Asian cinema in North America, reaffirming our mission to bridge cultures through the power of film.”