Asian Avant-Garde Film Festival 2026: Space Enter Shift

Explore the Boundaries of Moving Images

The Asian Avant-Garde Film Festival (AAGFF) 2026: Space Enter Shift marks the third edition of this significant cinematic celebration, hosted by M+ in the West Kowloon Cultural District (WestK). From May 29 to May 31, 2026, this three-day event brings together an international roster of pioneering filmmakers and visual artists to challenge mainstream narratives and explore the complex intersections of physical, psychological, and virtual realities.

Festival Theme: Space Enter Shift

Building upon a year-long inquiry into the nature of 'space' that began in 2025, Space Enter Shift examines how contemporary creators respond to territorial divisions, power dynamics, and the increasing fluidity of our modern existence. The festival features a rich programme of:

• Expansive Screenings: Curated selections highlighting Asian avant-garde filmmaking over the past six decades.
• Live Performances: Direct engagements with sound and visual artists.
• Interdisciplinary Talks & Workshops: Opportunities to engage with the creative process.
• VR Experiences & Listening Sessions: Immersive explorations of new media.

Key Artist Highlights

The 2026 lineup boasts an impressive array of talent, including the visual research band ikkibawiKrrr, whose work explores the ecology of the natural and human-made worlds. Other notable contributors include Lamya Gargash, Vivian Wang, Larissa Sansour, Søren Lind, Rirkrit Tiravanija, Xu Bing, and Zheng Mahler. Their diverse practices—spanning from architecture photography to experimental film—collectively investigate the presence and memory embedded in the spaces we occupy.

Join the Conversation

We invite all cinephiles to immerse themselves in this unique environment. Two core activities define the guest experience:

1. In The Zone: A Happening: Join us on May 30, 2026, at the M+ Horizon Terrace for a communal celebration. This special event is complimentary for all festival ticket and pass holders aged 18 or older (pre-registration required).
2. Festival Lounge & Workshops: During the festival, the M+ Moving Image Centre transforms into a dedicated hub for networking, featuring open-access screen-printing workshops and immersive video installations like Zheng Mahler's What is it like to be a (virtual) bat?.

For more information on the full schedule and ticket booking, please visit the official M+ website or purchase via Art-Mate.