Published: April 2026 

Location: Global / Asia-Pacific

The Asian Film Alliance Network (AFAN) is officially inviting applications from qualified Lead Researchers and Legal Firms to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study on the establishment of AFAN as a formal legal entity.

Since its launch at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023, AFAN has operated as a collaborative programme for Asian national film bodies. As we move into our next strategic phase, we seek to solidify our governance, operational model, and legal framework to better serve the Asian audiovisual landscape and our international partners.

About AFAN

AFAN is a strategic alliance of national film agencies dedicated to enhancing partnerships, exchanging market intelligence, and celebrating shared cultural heritage. Our current membership includes:

• South Korea (KOFIC)

• Philippines (FDCP)

• Malaysia (FINAS)

• Singapore (IMDA/SFC)

• Taiwan (TAICCA)

• Indonesia (Ministry of Culture)

• Mongolia (MNFC)

• Thailand (Ministry of Culture)

Initiated by the Korean Film Council (KOFIC), AFAN has established a landmark partnership with the European Film Agency Directors (EFAD) and maintains active outreach with observer members including Japan, Qatar, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

The Objective of the Feasibility Study

The primary goal of this study is to provide a roadmap for AFAN’s evolution from a programme into a sustainable, independent legal entity. The study will culminate in a comprehensive proposal paper to be presented to AFAN members and the French Team (CNC and Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs representatives).

Scope of Work

The selected personnel/firms will be responsible for:

• Strategic Positioning: Examining AFAN’s long-term role and value-add at national, regional, and international levels.

• Membership & Expansion: Analyzing current structures and identifying strategic engagement pathways for new national agencies across Asia.

• Governance & Operations: Proposing an operational structure and funding model (including membership contributions) based on comparative research of similar global organizations.

• Legal Framework: Providing a structured comparison of legal set-up scenarios (e.g., associations or foundations) within Asia, analyzing taxation, compliance, and host jurisdictions.

Project Timeline & Milestones

The study will follow a prestigious international circuit, allowing for high-level feedback from global industry leaders:

• May 2026: Launch of the research outline at the Cannes Film Festival.

• October 2026: Presentation of first-phase findings at the Busan International Film Festival.

• December 2026: Presentation of outcomes at the Co-production Summit in Paris.

• May 2027: Presentation of the final Conclusion Report at the AFAN General Assembly in Cannes.

Eligibility & Profile

We are seeking two distinct sets of expertise (Joint applications between research specialists and legal experts are highly encouraged):

• Researcher(s): Experts in cultural policy, international audiovisual cooperation, or international arts governance.

• Legal Firm: A firm with expertise in pan-Asian law, international non-profit structures, and comparative legal frameworks for foundations or associations.

How to Apply

Interested parties are invited to submit their technical and financial proposals, including CVs and examples of previous relevant work. To receive the full Terms of Reference (TOR), which includes detailed evaluation criteria and budget considerations, please contact our secretariat.

Contact: hello@afanconnect.asia 

Application Deadline: 3 May 2026 

Selection Announcement: June 2026

AFAN is an equal opportunity initiative. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and firms with a strong track record in the Asian audiovisual sector.