Behind the scenes of ADFEST’s Fabulous Five. Meet this year’s winner
This year’s ADFEST Fabulous Five directors were given the job of interpreting the theme “Human+”, a concept that explores how humanity evolves alongside, and manages the relationship with, advancing technology. Each director brought a distinct perspective.
Most importantly, The Fabulous Five competition is where ADFEST promotes the next generation of filmmakers. For many it’s a kickstart to their careers; for all it’s a significant boon for their aspirations. The program provides aspiring directors with the rare opportunity to take a project from script to screen - transforming ideas into fully realised films on an international stage.
For the first time ever, the 2026 ADFEST Fabulous Five were all female.
Congratulations to Ariyaporn Boondeepathum, Director, from And Friends Studio Co., Ltd., Bangkok who was awarded a Commendation for his short film for ADFEST 2026, called Human Mode.
The other Fabulous Five finalists were:
•Irvine Prisilia, Assistant Director from TJT Creative Lab, Jakarta
•Karin Nogami, Director from Tohokushinsha Film Corporation, Tokyo
•Lisa Aoki, Director from Tohokushinsha Film Corporation, Tokyo
•Nagi Tajima, Director from FIELD MANAGEMENT EXPAND Inc, Tokyo
Fabulous Five judges, Michael Ahmadzadeh, Partner & EP at electriclime ° APAC & MENA, and Anna Fawcett, CEO & EP, Filmgraphics Entertainment Sydney, gave ADFEST a behind the scenes view of the program and what emerging talent is facing right now.
