What Is 13th Asia Pacific Screen Awards

Overview

The 13th Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA) took place on November 28, 2019, in Brisbane, Australia, marking a significant milestone in the recognition of cinematic excellence across the Asia-Pacific region. Established in 2007, the APSA is the region’s highest accolade in film, designed to promote cultural diversity and artistic expression through motion pictures. Organized by the Asia Pacific Screen Academy and supported by UNESCO, the Brisbane City Council, and other international partners, the awards celebrate films from over 21 countries, including India, Japan, China, Iran, and Indonesia.

The ceremony is held annually in Brisbane, a city chosen for its growing role as a cultural hub in the Asia-Pacific. The 2019 edition continued a tradition of honoring films that reflect social issues, historical narratives, and human experiences unique to the region. Unlike other international film awards, APSA emphasizes inclusivity, with juries composed of global film professionals ensuring fair representation across diverse cinematic traditions. This edition also highlighted the increasing prominence of digital storytelling and independent filmmaking in the region.

The 13th APSA was particularly notable for its recognition of veteran filmmakers and powerful narratives addressing family, memory, and national identity. The event not only celebrates artistic achievement but also fosters regional collaboration, educational programs, and cultural diplomacy through cinema. With over a decade of history, the APSA has become a vital platform for filmmakers from underrepresented nations to gain international visibility and critical acclaim.

How It Works

The Asia Pacific Screen Awards operate through a rigorous nomination and selection process designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and cultural relevance. Films are submitted by national selection committees in each participating country, which evaluate entries based on artistic merit, technical excellence, and cultural authenticity. Once shortlisted, an international jury of film experts reviews the entries and determines the winners across 12 competitive categories.

• Eligibility: Films must originate from one of the 21 Asia-Pacific countries and be released between January 1 and December 31 of the eligibility year. Both feature films and documentaries are considered.
• Nomination Process: Each country’s designated committee selects up to three films per category, ensuring diverse representation. Submissions must include subtitles in English.
• Jury Composition: The international jury consists of at least five members, including directors, actors, and critics from different regions, appointed annually to avoid bias.
• Voting System: Winners are determined by a majority vote after screenings and deliberations. The process is confidential and overseen by an independent auditor.
• Categories: Awards include Best Film, Best Director, Best Youth Film, Best Animated Film, Best Cultural Film, and several acting honors.
• UNESCO Involvement: As a founding partner, UNESCO supports APSA’s mission to promote intercultural dialogue and safeguard intangible cultural heritage through film.
• Prize Recognition: Winners receive a statuette and international publicity, but no monetary prize, emphasizing artistic over commercial recognition.

Key Details and Comparisons

The comparison highlights how the Asia Pacific Screen Awards differ from other major film honors. While the Oscars and Cannes have broader global reach, APSA uniquely focuses on the cultural and cinematic diversity of the Asia-Pacific. The 2019 So Long, My Son win underscored China’s strong presence in regional storytelling, while the absence of a cash prize distinguishes APSA from commercial award systems. Additionally, UNESCO’s involvement elevates APSA’s role in cultural preservation, setting it apart from the Asia Society’s more diaspora-oriented approach. These distinctions reinforce APSA’s mission as a platform for authentic, region-specific narratives.

Real-World Examples

The 13th APSA showcased several standout films that resonated with both jurors and audiences. So Long, My Son, directed by Wang Xiaoshuai, chronicled the emotional journey of two families across three decades of Chinese social change, earning praise for its nuanced performances and historical depth. Another notable entry was The Truth by Hirokazu Kore-eda, a French-Japanese co-production that won Best Director, marking Kore-eda’s first APSA win despite prior international acclaim. These films exemplify the APSA’s commitment to stories that transcend borders while remaining rooted in local contexts.

1. So Long, My Son (China) – Best Film winner, depicting family trauma amid China’s one-child policy and economic reforms.
2. The Truth (Japan/France) – Best Director for Kore-eda, exploring generational conflict through a fictionalized Catherine Deneuve.
3. Weathering with You (Japan) – Best Animated Film, a visually stunning anime by Makoto Shinkai.
4. Peninsula (South Korea) – Nominated for Best Film, a zombie action sequel to Train to Busan.

Why It Matters

The 13th Asia Pacific Screen Awards play a crucial role in elevating underrepresented voices and fostering cross-cultural understanding through cinema. By spotlighting films from countries with limited global exposure, APSA helps bridge gaps in international film discourse and challenges Western-centric narratives in global awards circuits. The recognition provided by APSA often leads to increased distribution, festival invitations, and funding opportunities for winning filmmakers.

• Cultural Representation: APSA ensures diverse ethnic, linguistic, and national perspectives are recognized, countering homogenized global cinema.
• Artist Development: Emerging filmmakers gain visibility, mentorship, and networking opportunities through APSA’s academy and events.
• Diplomatic Impact: The awards serve as a soft power tool, strengthening cultural ties between Asia-Pacific nations.
• Educational Outreach: APSA runs workshops and youth programs to nurture the next generation of filmmakers.
• UNESCO Alignment: Supports the preservation of intangible cultural heritage through storytelling and indigenous narratives.

Ultimately, the 13th APSA not only honored artistic excellence but also reinforced the power of film as a medium for empathy, memory, and social reflection. As geopolitical dynamics shift, platforms like APSA become increasingly vital in ensuring that regional stories are not only told but celebrated on a world stage.