‘THE HEARING’ TO MAKE NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE AT THE 2025 NEW YORK ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL

THE critically acclaimed Filipino drama ‘The Hearing’, directed by award-winning filmmaker Lawrence Fajardo, will have its North American premiere at the 2025 New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF), with the support of Fire and Ice Media, the film’s official international sales partner.

Following powerful screenings at Cinemalaya and the Busan International Film Festival, The Hearing continues its global journey with its NY premiere, shining a light on silenced voices and systemic injustice. The film will screen as part of NYAFF’s prestigious competition lineup, with director Fajardo and producers in attendance for a post-screening Q&A.

Now in its 24th edition, NYAFF 2025 marks its most globally expansive lineup yet, with the theme “Cinema as Disruption”—spotlighting bold, genre-defying films that challenge the status quo. The inclusion of The Hearing highlights the festival’s commitment to urgent, socially driven storytelling from across Asia.

Set in a remote fishing village, ‘The Hearing’ follows Lucas, a deaf boy, and his family as they take legal action against a respected priest who has sexually abused him. As they confront religious and institutional power, a court sign language interpreter — voiceless in her own home — becomes entangled in the case. The film presents a compelling look at the intersections of silence, trauma, and truth.

Starring Mylene Dizon, Enzo Osorio, Ina Feleo, Joel Torre, Ruby Ruiz, and Nor Domingo, the film has drawn acclaim for its courageous storytelling and empathetic lens on disability and justice.

“Seventy percent of deaf children in the Philippines are victims of sexual abuse. Many of their cases are dismissed because they cannot testify — there simply aren’t enough qualified sign language interpreters,” says director Lawrence Fajardo. “This film is our call to action — for awareness, reform, and above all, listening.”

The Hearing is written by Honee Alipio, produced by Krisma Maclang Fajardo, and executive produced by Brillante Mendoza, with cinematography by Roberto “Boy” Yñiguez and music by Peter Joseph Legaste and Joaquin Santos. The film is a production of Pelikulaw and Center Stage Productions.

Fire and Ice Media, known for championing socially impactful Asian cinema on the global stage, is representing The Hearing in international markets. Their strategic efforts have been key in bringing the film to North American audiences through NYAFF.

For screening schedules and ticket details, visit www.nyaff.org.

(ROHN ROMULO)