Asia Pacific Screen Awards

05/09/2025

🎥 FRIDAY FILMMAKER SPOTLIGHT: Khadija al-Salami 🎥

This week, we're celebrating an extraordinary filmmaker whose life story is as compelling as the films she creates.

Meet Khadija al-Salami - Yemen's first female film producer and director, who transformed her traumatic childhood experience as a child bride into a powerful catalyst for social change through cinema.

Her Story: Born in 1966 in Sana'a during Yemen's civil war, Khadija was forced into marriage at just 11 years old. She escaped this situation and found refuge in education and media, eventually becoming a presenter on Yemeni children's television while still a teenager.
Her Impact:
✨ Created over 25 documentaries focusing on women's issues ✨ Her film "I Am Nojoom, Age 10 and Divorced" became the first Yemeni film submitted for Oscar consideration
✨ Won numerous international awards at film festivals worldwide ✨ Authored books including "The Tears of Sheba"
✨ Honoured with France's Knight of the Order of Arts & Letters

Latest Achievement: In 2022, she was awarded $25,000 from the MPA APSA Academy Film Fund for her new project "I Wish I Were a Girl" - proving that her voice continues to resonate globally.

Currently based in Paris, Khadija uses her platform to shed light on gender inequality and advocate for girls' rights, particularly in Yemen where such conversations remain challenging.

Her work proves that cinema has the power to transform pain into purpose, and individual stories into universal calls for justice.

"I felt strongly – even at that age – that with an education I could become anybody and do anything I wanted." - Khadija al-Salami

APSA Academy members who have a project for the MPA APSA Academy Film Fund - contact [email protected] for an entry form.

29/08/2025

🎬 FILMMAKER FRIDAY: Min Bahadur Bham 🎬

This week we celebrate Min Bahadur Bham, the groundbreaking Nepalese filmmaker whose latest work Shambhala made history as the first Nepali film to win the Cultural Diversity Award at the 2024 Asia Pacific Screen Awards.

A Cultural Storyteller's Journey: Born in Karkibada, Nepal, Min brings a unique perspective to filmmaking with Master's degrees in Buddhist philosophy and political science, plus a PhD in anthropology. This diverse background deeply influences his authentic approach to cinema.

Historic Achievements: • Bansulli (2012) - Nepal's first entry to Venice Film Festival • Kalo Pothi/The Black Hen (2015) - Won FEDEORA Best Film Award at Venice Critics Week and became Nepal's Oscar entry • Shambhala (2024) - First Nepali film in Berlinale Competition section in 30 years

Cultural Preservation Through Film: Min participated in our 2024 Asia Pacific Screen Forum session on "Cultural Preservation Through Film," demonstrating his commitment to using cinema to preserve and celebrate cultural heritage. His work exemplifies how deeply local stories can resonate globally.

Shot in the extreme conditions of the Upper Dolpo region (one of the highest human settlements on Earth), Shambhala tells the story of pregnant Pema searching for her missing husband in a Himalayan polyandrous village.

As Min says: "The more we localise a movie, the more it gets globalised."

🎟️ Stay tuned for early bird ticket announcements for the Asia Pacific Screen Awards and Forum 2025!

15/08/2025

🎬 Spotlight 🎬

Meet the distinguished panels who will shape the 18th Asia Pacific Screen Awards! We're thrilled to announce our incredible nomination councils:

🌟 INTERNATIONAL NOMINATIONS COUNCIL: ✨ Bina Paul (Chair) - Acclaimed film editor and documentary director from India ✨ Anderson Le - Artistic Director of Hawaii International Film Festival ✨ Delphine Garde-Mroueh - Former Head of Programme Administration for Dubai International Film Festival ✨ Kiki Fung - Programme Consultant for Hong Kong International Film Festival ✨ Dr. Gulnara Abikeyeva - Distinguished film critic from Kazakhstan ✨ Weijie Lai - Singapore-based producer of award-winning films ✨ Yoshi Yatabe - Former programming director of Tokyo International Film Festival

🎭 YOUTH, ANIMATION & DOCUMENTARY COUNCIL: ✨ Zoe Sua Cho (Chair) - Korean New Zealand filmmaker with producing, editing and directing credits ✨ Gugi Gumilang - Program Director for In-Docs, Executive Board member of Documentary Association of Europe ✨ Associate Professor Dr. Andi Spark - Former Animation program leader at Griffith University

These industry experts will determine the nominees for this prestigious event celebrating the remarkable contributions of filmmakers across the Asia Pacific region, spanning all categories from feature films to youth productions, animation, and documentaries.

🎯 Ready to submit your film? The APSA Competition is now open via FilmFreeway! Films must have secured a premiere between 1 August 2024 and 31 October 2025.

👉 Submit now: https://filmfreeway.com/AsiaPacificScreenAwards

14/08/2025

🎥 Calling All APSA Academy Members! 🎥

Watch Kiki Fung, Chair MPA APSA Academy Film Fund and our esteemed International Nominations Council member, share why the MPA APSA Academy Film Fund is a game-changer for filmmakers!

The MPA APSA Academy Film Fund provides four annual script development grants of US$25,000 for projects by APSA Academy Members - and the results speak for themselves!

✅ 56 projects supported across 27 countries in the Asia Pacific region
✅ Success stories include films that have gone on to major festivals and awards
✅ Focus on the region's leading filmmakers and emerging talent
This extraordinary initiative is proving to have a major effect on film across the region, supporting storytellers from right across the Asia Pacific.

🎬 Ready to take your project to the next level?
Academy members can apply for script development funding that could transform your vision into reality.

👆 Watch Kiki's inspiring message and learn how this fund is developing the work of storytellers across our region!

Contact: [email protected] for the entry form.

Chair of the MPA APSA Academy Film Fund - Kiki Fung announces that the 2025 fund is now open. https://www.asiapacificscreenawards.com/about-academy/mpa-apsa-...

08/08/2025

🎬 FILMMAKER FRIDAY FOCUS: MANDY WALKER ASC ACS 🎬

Celebrating one of Australia's most acclaimed cinematographers breaking barriers in Hollywood! 🇦🇺

🏆 Trailblazing Achievements: Oscar nominated for "Elvis" (2022), Mandy has earned 15 wins & 24 nominations total. She's received a Satellite Award, Hollywood Film Award for Cinematographer of the Year, the first woman to win the AACTA award, the American Society of Cinematographers award and Australian Cinematographers Society award for feature film cinematography . Served as a governor of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) currently serving as the first female president of the ASC in its 106 year history.

🌟 Hollywood Powerhouse: From "Hidden Figures" (2016) “Australia” (2007) to "Elvis" (2022), "Mulan" (2020) to the upcoming "Snow White" (2025), Mandy has become one of Hollywood's most sought-after DPs, bringing her unique visual storytelling to major studio productions.

🎭 Industry Recognition: In 2006, she was named as one of Variety's 10 cinematographers to watch - and she's proven that prediction absolutely right! Accredited member of both the Australian Cinematographers Society (ACS) since 1999 and the prestigious American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) since 2011. Is inducted in to ACS Hall of Fame. Was garnered with the Order of Australia from Queen Elizabeth 2nd.

🌏 From Australia to the World: Her impressive filmography includes "Love Serenade" (1996) - winner of the Cannes Camera d'Or, "Lantana" (2001), “Tracks” (2013) Baz Luhrmann's epic "Australia" (2008), and recent work on "Faraway Downs" (2023).

📺 Commercial Excellence: She also has an impressive portfolio of international TV commercials with numerous awards of excellence, including her work on the iconic Chanel No5 mini films.

💪 Career Journey: Born in Melbourne Victoria, Mandy worked her way up from clapper loader and focus puller in the 1980s to become one of the world's most respected cinematographers - proving that persistence and passion pay off.


Caption: Aaron Pederson & Mandy Walker APSA 2013

01/08/2025

🎬 FILMMAKER FRIDAY FOCUS: MANOJ BAJPAYEE 🎬

Celebrating India's master of intensity and the ONLY actor to win TWO APSA Best Performance awards!

🏆 APSA Double Winner: Manoj made APSA history - winning Best Performance by an Actor in 2016 for "Aligarh" (portraying a gay professor) and again in 2019 for "Bhonsle" (as a conflicted retired policeman).No other actor has achieved this double victory!

🎭 From Struggles to Stardom: Despite facing financial struggles during childhood, Bajpayee pursued his passion after watching "Zanjeer" (1973). He started with small roles before his breakthrough in "Satya" (1998) - winning him the 1999 Filmfare Critics Award and Silver Lotus Award.

🌟 National Recognition: Four National Film Awards winner - Best Supporting Actor for "Satya" (1999), Special Jury Award for "Pinjar" (2004), Best Actor for "Bhonsle" (2021), and Special mention for “Gulmohar”. In 2019, he received the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian honour.

📺 Digital Pioneer: "The Family Man" web series showcased his versatility in the digital space, proving great actors adapt and excel across all platforms.

🎯 Character Specialist: Known for playing offbeat and unconventional roles, from villains to complex protagonists. His trademark: "Often plays man of rural background with strong moral values."

💪 Beyond Acting: Active in philanthropic efforts including education, healthcare, and environmental protection. He voiced concerns about migrants during COVID-19, showing his commitment extends beyond cinema.

🎪 APSA Academy Impact: Also appeared in APSA Jury Grand Prize winner "Gangs of Wasseypur" (2012), cementing his place in Asia Pacific cinema excellence.

For aspiring actors: Character depth over glamour, authenticity over artifice - Manoj proves that powerful performances create lasting legacies!

Submissions Open: https://filmfreeway.com/AsiaPacificScreenAwards

30/07/2025

🌏 ONE REGION, COUNTLESS STORIES 🌏

The Asia Pacific Screen Awards celebrate the incredible diversity of our region - from the bustling streets of Tokyo to the remote villages of the Pacific Islands.

Your film could be the next to showcase our rich cultural tapestry on the international stage.

🎭 Cultural authenticity valued 🎪 Diverse voices welcomed 🎨 Unique perspectives celebrated

Submissions open: https://filmfreeway.com/AsiaPacificScreenAwards



Before, Now & Then (Nana) (2022), Winner Best Film APSA 2022
Director. Kamila Andini
Cinematography. Batara Goempar
Actor. Happy Salma

25/07/2025

🎬 FILMMAKER FRIDAY FOCUS: BIANCA BALBUENA 🎬

Spotlight on a true MPA APSA Academy Film Fund success story!

🌟 From Fund to Festival Glory: APSA Academy member and Epicmedia co-founder Bianca Balbuena transformed MPA APSA Academy Film Fund support into international acclaim with "Viet and Nam" - selected for Cannes Un Certain Regard.

🏆 Powerhouse Producer: Bianca has produced over 35 feature films including Venice Film Festival Lion of the Future winner "Engkwentro" and Berlinale Silver Bear winner "A Lullaby to the Sorrowful Mystery" and the only Filipino film at the Sundance Film Festival Midnight section “In My Mother’s Skin”. She's the youngest ever recipient of the APSA FIAPF Award for contribution to Asia Pacific cinema.

💡 Box Office Magic: Her biggest commercial success? "That Thing Called Tadhana" - one of the highest grossing independent films in Philippine box office history, made on just a $60,000 budget, and grossed over $3,000,000 locally!

🌍 Global Festival Circuit: Her films have premiered and won at Venice, Berlinale, Toronto, Cannes, Sundance, Locarno and more. She has served as jury in A-list festival like 부산국제영화제 Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), Sydney Film Festival, Tallinn and Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. From intimate indies to international co-productions, she's proven Filipino stories can captivate worldwide audiences.

💪 Mission-Driven: Her mission is "to strengthen collaborations within the region and help deserving directors bring their films to the global scale".

🎯 MPA APSA Fund Impact: Bianca has spoken about how the MPA APSA Academy Film Fund "jumpstarted the journey" of the eight-country co-production "Viet and Nam" - proving this funding can transform ambitious visions into festival reality.

For emerging producers: Think global, collaborate fearlessly, and remember: even the smallest of budgets can deliver the most powerful stories!



Motion Picture Association - Asia Pacific

22/07/2025

📽️ CALLING ALL FILMMAKERS 📽️

Have you created something extraordinary? The Asia Pacific Screen Awards want to see your work!

From intimate documentaries to epic features, from innovative animation to ground breaking narratives - your story deserves recognition.

⏰ Don't wait - submissions are open NOW 🏆 Join 18 years of celebrating Asia Pacific cinema

Submit: https://filmfreeway.com/AsiaPacificScreenAwards



Image: April (2024), Georgia, Italy, France
Director. Screenwriter. Dea Kulumbegashvili
Actor. Ia Sukhitashvili
Cinematographer. Arseni Skachaturan

Winner: Best Film, Best Actor
Nominated: Best Cinematography, Best Director, Best Screenplay

18/07/2025

Meet one of Indonesia's most visionary directors and an APSA Academy member since 2007!

🌟 APSA Journey:
2007: Inducted with "Opera Jawa" (Best Feature Film nominee)
2012: "The Mirror Never Lies" won Best Children's Feature Film
2018: "Memories of My Body" won the Cultural Diversity Award and was funded through the MPA APSA Academy Film Fund.
2019 Youth, Animation, Documentary International Jury member

🎭 Master of Cultural Storytelling: Born in Yogyakarta in 1961, Nugroho has been captivating audiences since his 1991 debut "Love Is a Slice of Bread" won Best Young Director at the Asia Pacific International Film Festival.

🏆 International Recognition: From Tokyo to Cannes to Venice - his films have graced the world's most prestigious festivals. "Opera Jawa", based on the Ramayana and created for Mozart's 250th anniversary, screened at Venice 2006 as one of six films by "innovative directors" worldwide.

✨ Why He Inspires: Nugroho seamlessly weaves Indonesian culture, mysticism and universal themes into cinema that speaks both locally and globally. His work is rich in symbols and mysticism, and proves that authentic cultural storytelling has the power to transcend borders.

💫 For Emerging Filmmakers: Your cultural heritage isn't a limitation - it's your superpower. Nugroho shows us that the most personal stories often become the most universal.

Submissions are open for the 18th Asia Pacific Screen Awards - https://filmfreeway.com/AsiaPacificScreenAwards

14/07/2025

🎬 SUBMISSIONS OPEN 🎬

The 18th Asia Pacific Screen Awards are calling for entries! Celebrate the extraordinary cinema of our diverse region.
✨ Feature Films | Documentaries | Animation
✨ 78+ countries & areas eligible
✨ Honouring cinematic excellence & cultural diversity

Submit now: https://filmfreeway.com/AsiaPacificScreenAwards

Deadline: 23 August

10/07/2025

🎬 SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN! 🎬
The 18th Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA) are coming to the Gold Coast this November! 🌟
✨ What's happening:

APSA Competition - celebrating the best of Asia Pacific cinema
MPA APSA Academy Film Fund - US$25,000 script development grants

🎯 Who can apply:

APSA Competition: All Asia Pacific filmmakers (films premiered Aug 1, 2024 - Oct 31, 2025)
Film Fund: APSA Academy members & collaborators only

🏆 The impact:
Since 2010, the Fund has supported 56 films from 27 countries, with many gaining recognition at Cannes, Venice & Berlin!
This is Asia Pacific's most prestigious screen culture event - don't miss your chance to be part of it!
Apply now: www.asiapacificscreenawards.com
Questions: [email protected]