Opening Night: Beyond Borders
Opening Night
The opening night of the Asia Pacific Screen Forum launches our central theme “Beyond Borders” – a celebration of cinema’s power to transcend national boundaries and unite diverse cultures through shared storytelling. This vibrant gathering brings together filmmakers, industry leaders, and key stakeholders to explore how collaboration, co-production, and cross-cultural narratives are reshaping the future of regional cinema.
In an era where global pressures often push us toward isolation and inward focus, the Forum champions cinema’s unique ability to build bridges between communities and foster deeper cross-cultural understanding. Through inspiring speeches, entertainment, and the introduction of key initiatives, the evening sets the stage for meaningful dialogues about how filmmakers across the Asia Pacific can work together to create stories that resonate beyond their own borders – contributing to a more connected and collaborative future for cinema in our region.
Monday 24 November 2025
18.30 – 21.30
The Langham, Gold Coast
Opening Night 2024
The Asia Pacific Screen Academy expresses its respect for and acknowledgement of the South East Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners of country, including the custodial communities on whose land works are created and celebrated by the Asia Pacific Screen Awards. We acknowledge the continuing connection to land, waters and communities. We also pay our respects to Elders, past and present. We recognise the integral role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and First Nations peoples continue to play in storytelling and celebration spaces.