Winner, APSA NETPAC Development Prize, 2013
Two brothers and their little sister are thrown out of their flat because they haven’t paid the rent. The orphans pack up their few possessions and go out to the country, where the family owns a small plot of land. The children set up camp, knowing they have to fend for themselves, but this solution is insecure, too: they are told, in no uncertain terms, that all plots will shortly pass to the state unless at least the foundations of a house have been laid. So, the fractious siblings must unite in a common cause, borrowing or stealing tools and supplies to stake their lasting claim.
“The APSA NETPAC Development Prize is awarded to Stroiteli (Constructors) for its striking visual qualities and unique insights into contemporary social conditions in Kazakhstan from the perspective of children trying to survive in a harsh environment. Adilkhan Yerzhanov is a promising new voice from Central Asia. Stroiteli offers viewers a strong viewpoint, a compelling storyline and an emotional journey on the part of its three characters – all achieved in a pared-back style with minimum resources.”
– Jury citation
The 2013 APSA Academy NETPAC Jury comprised APSA International Nominations Council NETPAC members: Jeannette Paulson Hereniko (USA), Peggy Chiao (Taiwan) and Kathryn Weir (Australia).
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 emerging. We recognise the integral role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and First Nations peoples continue to play in storytelling and celebration spaces.