What Is 15th Asia Pacific Screen Awards

Overview

The 15th Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA), held on November 11, 2022, marked a significant milestone in the recognition of cinematic excellence across the vast and culturally diverse Asia-Pacific region. Organized by the Asia Pacific Screen Academy and supported by UNESCO, the Australian Government, and Screen Queensland, the APSA honors films that demonstrate outstanding artistic and technical merit. This annual event brings together filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals from over 70 countries, celebrating storytelling that reflects the region’s rich heritage and contemporary issues.

Founded in 2007, the Asia Pacific Screen Awards were established to promote cultural diversity in cinema and foster regional collaboration. The awards were conceived as a response to the underrepresentation of Asian and Pacific films in major international festivals and award circuits. By spotlighting works from countries such as Japan, Iran, India, and Papua New Guinea, the APSA fills a critical gap in global film recognition. The 15th edition continued this mission, emphasizing inclusivity and excellence in filmmaking.

The 2022 ceremony was hosted in Gold Coast, Queensland, a city that has become synonymous with the APSA due to its long-standing partnership with the event. The night celebrated not only feature films but also documentaries, animated features, and debut works by emerging directors. With 13 competitive categories, the APSA stands as one of the most comprehensive regional film awards, second only to the Asia Pacific Film Festival in scope. Its UNESCO patronage underscores its cultural significance and global outreach.

How It Works

The Asia Pacific Screen Awards operate through a rigorous nomination and selection process involving regional film bodies, industry experts, and an international Grand Jury. Each year, member organizations from eligible countries submit films for consideration across various categories, ensuring broad representation. The process emphasizes cultural authenticity, cinematic innovation, and narrative power, aligning with UNESCO’s goals of promoting intercultural dialogue through the arts.

• Eligibility Period: Films must have been completed between January 1 and December 31 of the preceding year. For the 15th APSA, eligible films were released in 2021.
• Submission Process: National film organizations or designated bodies nominate up to three films per category, ensuring a curated and regionally representative pool.
• Jury Composition: The Grand Jury consists of five to seven internationally acclaimed filmmakers, actors, or critics appointed by the APSA Board.
• Voting Rounds: A preliminary round narrows entries to a shortlist, followed by final voting by the Grand Jury to determine winners.
• Categories: Awards include Best Film, Best Director, Best Youth Film, Best Animated Feature, and Best Documentary, among others.
• Cultural Criteria: Emphasis is placed on films that reflect cultural identity, linguistic diversity, and regional storytelling traditions.
• Award Ceremony: Winners are announced at a live event, typically held in November in Gold Coast, Australia.

Key Details and Comparisons

The comparison highlights the APSA’s unique position as a regionally focused yet globally respected award. Unlike the Oscars or BAFTAs, which are dominated by Western productions, the APSA prioritizes underrepresented voices from Central Asia, the Pacific Islands, and South Asia. While the Asia Pacific Film Festival predates the APSA by decades, the latter benefits from UNESCO’s endorsement and a more transparent jury process. The inclusion of countries like Afghanistan, Mongolia, and Fiji ensures a broader cultural lens than festivals limited to East or South Asia. Furthermore, the APSA’s emphasis on language—films must be in a native language of the region—distinguishes it from more commercially oriented awards.

Real-World Examples

The 15th APSA showcased a diverse array of cinematic achievements. Japan’s Drive My Car, directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi, won the Best Film award and had already gained international acclaim by winning Best International Feature at the 2022 Oscars. The film, based on a Haruki Murakami short story, explores grief and connection through the story of a theater director working on a multilingual production of Uncle Vanya. Its win underscored the APSA’s commitment to narrative depth and cross-cultural resonance.

Other notable winners included Iran’s Endless Borders in the Best Youth Film category and Papua New Guinea’s first-ever APSA nominee, Yegapolla, in the Best Unproduced Screenplay section. These selections reflect the Academy’s mission to uplift emerging film industries and underrepresented communities.

1. Best Film:Drive My Car – Japan
2. Best Director: Hamaguchi Ryusuke – Drive My Car
3. Best Youth Film:Endless Borders – Iran
4. Best Animated Feature:My Sunny Maad – Czech Republic/Japan co-production

Why It Matters

The 15th Asia Pacific Screen Awards is more than a celebration of film—it is a platform for cultural diplomacy, regional unity, and artistic validation. In a global film industry often dominated by Hollywood and major European festivals, the APSA elevates voices that might otherwise remain unheard. Its recognition can lead to increased funding, international distribution, and festival invitations for winning filmmakers.

• Cultural Representation: The APSA ensures that films from Bhutan, Timor-Leste, and Kiribati receive the same consideration as those from India or South Korea.
• UNESCO Partnership: As a UNESCO patronage event, the APSA aligns with global goals for cultural diversity and sustainable development.
• Industry Growth: Winning or even being nominated can boost a filmmaker’s career, leading to grants and co-production opportunities.
• Educational Impact: APSA-sponsored workshops and masterclasses help train the next generation of regional filmmakers.
• Diplomatic Role: The event fosters cross-border collaborations, such as co-productions between Australia and Southeast Asian nations.

By honoring films that reflect authentic regional narratives, the APSA contributes to a more inclusive global cinema landscape. The 15th edition not only celebrated past achievements but also set a precedent for future inclusivity, innovation, and intercultural dialogue in film.