What Is 11th Asia Pacific Screen Awards

Overview

The 11th Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA), held in 2017, marked a significant milestone in recognizing cinematic excellence across the vast and diverse Asia-Pacific region. Organized by the Asia Pacific Screen Academy (APSA) in partnership with UNESCO and FIAPF (International Federation of Film Producers Associations), the awards celebrate films that reflect cultural depth, artistic innovation, and regional storytelling. This annual event, established in 2007, has become one of the most prestigious platforms for filmmakers from over 70 countries, including nations as far-flung as Iran, New Zealand, Russia, and Lebanon.

Hosted in Brisbane, Australia, the 2017 ceremony continued a tradition of spotlighting films that might otherwise remain under the radar in global cinema circuits. Unlike Western-centric awards such as the Oscars, APSA emphasizes inclusivity, linguistic diversity, and cultural authenticity. It honors films in more than 30 categories, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Youth Film, Best Animated Film, and Best Documentary Feature, as well as special awards like the Jury Grand Prize and the Metro Screen Award for Cultural Diversity.

The significance of the 11th APSA lies not only in its celebration of artistry but also in its role as a cultural bridge. By spotlighting films in languages such as Amharic, Dari, Tamil, and Mongolian, the awards promote underrepresented voices and foster regional collaboration. The 2017 edition was particularly notable for its emphasis on social issues, with several winning films addressing gender inequality, youth identity, and political tension. This commitment to meaningful storytelling solidifies APSA’s status as a vital institution in global cinema.

How It Works

The Asia Pacific Screen Awards operate through a rigorous nomination and judging process that underscores transparency, cultural sensitivity, and artistic merit. Entries are submitted by national selection committees or film bodies in each eligible country, and all films must have been completed between January 1, 2016, and October 31, 2017, to qualify for the 11th edition. A panel of international film experts, including past winners and industry professionals, reviews submissions and selects nominees across all categories.

• Eligibility: Films must originate from one of the 70+ Asia-Pacific countries and be primarily in a language of the region. Co-productions are allowed if at least one country is from the region.
• Jury Selection: The International Jury, composed of 5–7 renowned filmmakers and critics, is appointed by the APSA Board and UNESCO. They deliberate in person during the awards week.
• Voting Process: Nominations are determined by a two-tier voting system: first by regional assessors, then by the International Jury, which selects winners.
• Categories: Awards include Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best New Talent, and special honors such as the FIAPF Award for Outstanding Achievement in Film.
• Language Inclusion: Films in over 30 languages were represented in 2017, reflecting the region’s linguistic diversity.
• Awards Ceremony: The 11th APSA gala was held in November 2017 in Brisbane, featuring red carpet events, screenings, and filmmaker forums.

Key Details and Comparisons

The comparison underscores how the 11th APSA carved a niche by prioritizing regional narratives over commercial appeal. While the Oscars and Cannes often spotlight Western or European films, APSA elevated voices from countries like Afghanistan, Mongolia, and Fiji. For instance, the 2017 Best Youth Film award went to a Fijian short, highlighting APSA’s commitment to youth and underrepresented communities. The table also reveals that APSA’s jury structure is more regionally balanced, with at least one juror from each sub-region of Asia-Pacific. This ensures fair representation and cultural context in decision-making, a contrast to the more centralized juries at Cannes or the AMPAS.

Real-World Examples

The 11th APSA delivered several standout moments that resonated globally. Lee Chang-dong’s win for Burning, a psychological thriller based on a Haruki Murakami short story, brought renewed attention to South Korean cinema just before the global success of Parasite. The film, which competed at Cannes but didn’t win, found critical acclaim through APSA, later being shortlisted for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar. Similarly, Period. End of Sentence., a documentary about menstrual stigma in rural India, won Best Documentary Feature and later secured an Academy Award in 2019, proving APSA’s role as a predictor of global success.

1. Burning (South Korea) – Best Director, later Oscar-shortlisted
2. Period. End of Sentence. (India/USA) – Best Documentary, later won Oscar
3. On Happiness Road (Taiwan) – Best Animated Film
4. The Wound (South Africa) – Best Screenplay, sparked LGBTQ+ discourse

Why It Matters

The 11th Asia Pacific Screen Awards was more than a ceremony—it was a cultural milestone that amplified voices from across a vast and often overlooked region. By honoring films that tackle complex social themes, APSA fosters dialogue and understanding across borders. Its influence extends beyond trophies, shaping funding opportunities, festival invitations, and international distribution for winning filmmakers.

• Cultural Visibility: APSA provides a platform for films in endangered or minority languages, preserving linguistic heritage.
• Industry Access: Winners gain visibility with distributors like Netflix and Sony Pictures Classics.
• Gender Equity: In 2017, 40% of nominated directors were women, surpassing many Western awards.
• Educational Outreach: APSA runs workshops and masterclasses for emerging filmmakers across Asia-Pacific.
• Soft Diplomacy: Countries use APSA recognition to strengthen cultural ties and national branding.

Ultimately, the 11th APSA exemplified how regional film awards can have global impact. By celebrating stories rooted in local realities yet universally resonant, the event reinforced cinema’s power to transcend borders. As the Asia-Pacific region continues to grow in cinematic influence, APSA remains a vital advocate for authentic, diverse, and artistically bold filmmaking.