The Asia Pacific Screen Awards held a welcome reception last night. The award aims to promote the films and filmmakers of Asia-Pacific to a global audience.
The APSA is an international cultural initiative of the Queensland State Government, Australia. The award provides the film makers of Asia-Pacific a platform to deliver their best works, and also encourages the collaboration of filmmakers in the region.
The award is also joined with UNESCO to promote a greater understanding of the significance of all cultures in the world.
"The APSA is very young compared to other major international awards,” said Des Power, Chairman of APSA. “This is our fourth year.”
During the reception, Andrew Fraser, Treasurer of the Queensland Government, announced a new major partnership between APSA and MPA (Motion Picture Association). A US $100,000 film fund exclusive to filmmakers in the Asia-Pacific region was established. The fund will be granted to four APSA Academy members, US $25,000 each.
Mike Ellis, President and Managing Director MPA Asia Pacific, said that the support of the MPA APSA Academy Film Fund is emblematic of the MPA’s commitment to promoting and protecting the wonderful work of the filmmakers in this region.
“The APSAs have developed a strong reputation as the most coveted award in the region and the benefits of winning an award of this calibre are clear,” Ellis said. “This fund makes participation in the APSAs even more valuable for the professional opportunities it will open up to its Academy members.”
Australian film “Last Ride” directed by Glendyn Ivin also held its Asian premiere last night. The film was adapted from the novel “The Last Ride” written by Denise Young.
Last year, more than 200 films from 43 countries were submitted for the award. Chinese film “City Of Life and Death" had multiple nominations and won two awards: Achievement in Cinematography and Achievement in Directing.
The fourth APSA nominations will be announced in early October, and the award ceremony will take place on December 2, 2010.