WINNERS OF YOUNG CINEMA AWARD, BEST NEW PERFORMER, CULTURAL DIVERSITY AWARD & FIAPF AWARD ANNOUNCEMENT

Proudly supported by Australia’s Gold Coast: The Asia Pacific Screen Academy, together with strategic partner Jewel Private Residences, today announced the winners of four special awards ahead of the 18th Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA) Ceremony on Thursday 27th November at The Langham, Gold Coast, with all four awards presented by major partner, Jewel Gold Coast.

The iconic Jewel on the Gold Coast, developed by AW Jewel, offers a unique range of experiences for creative professionals worldwide, from artistic creation to high-end entertainment and cultural exchange, including the internationally renowned The Langham, Gold Coast, making it a perfect partnership for the film industry’s prestigious 7th Asia Pacific Screen Forum and the 18th Asia Pacific Screen Awards held at their venues from 24th November – 27th November on Australia’s Gold Coast.

To be presented to winners on the night of the awards, the three special awards celebrate cinematic excellence, support emerging practitioners, and foster the promotion and preservation of cultural diversity. Reflecting the core values of the Asia Pacific Screen Academy, this focus is shared by Jewel on the Gold Coast, creating a natural fit for these awards to be presented in partnership.

Winners will be inducted into the Asia Pacific Screen Academy, the powerful network that unites filmmakers of the Asia Pacific beyond borders to champion cinematic excellence across the world’s most dynamic film region.

Remarkably the first three winners’ films are centred on love and family. The Best New Performer award goes to Yui Suzuki for Renoir, in which she plays an 11-year-old girl navigating her father’s terminal illness and her own coming of age in 1980s Japan. Director, writer and producer Aktan Arym Kubat receives the Cultural Diversity Award for Black Red Yellow, which explores three intertwined destinies, centered on a love between two ordinary villagers – a love that endures and uplifts. The Young Cinema Award goes to Rohan Parashuram Kanawade for his first feature Cactus Pears (Sabar Bonda), a story of a 30-something city dweller reconnecting with a childhood friend while mourning his father in remote western India.

APSA is also pleased to announce the FIAPF AWARD which is determined by APSA founding partner FIAPF – International Federation of Film Producers Associations for outstanding achievement in film in the Asia Pacific region. This year’s award goes to Australian producer Greer Simpkin. Simpkin has been Co-Managing Director of Bunya Productions since 2015. Since joining the company, she has produced an extraordinary slate of acclaimed feature films including Limbo, Sweet Country, Goldstone, High Ground, Loveland and The Drover’s Wife: The Legend of Molly Johnson and served as Executive Producer on Jasper Jones. Her recent work includes the StudioCanal feature Kangaroo and the musical The Deb, with upcoming projects Wolfram – the sequel to Sweet Country – and Prima Facie starring Cynthia Erivo.

On television, Simpkin has produced all four series of the multi-award-winning ABC drama Mystery Road, the SBS/NITV mini-series True Colours, ABC’s In Limbo, and Ladies in Black. Her documentary credits include The Leadership and Sanctuary, further demonstrating her commitment to championing powerful, diverse Australian stories that resonate globally.

In addition to revealing these major awards, the Academy is delighted to announce award-winning Australian Chinese actor, writer, producer and content creator Shuang Hu as Host of the 18th APSA Ceremony. Hu will also join the Asia Pacific Screen Forum as a panellist on Audience First Approach, lending her voice and experience to discussions on screen representation, creative collaboration, and the globalisation of Asia Pacific storytelling. It is a full-circle moment for Hu, who first volunteered with APSA back in 2007 early in her film career while studying at Griffith University.

WINNERS OF YOUNG CINEMA AWARD, BEST NEW PERFORMER & CULTURAL DIVERSITY AWARD & FIAPF AWARD:

Best New Performer

Recognising an exceptional debut or sophomore performance in a feature film
Winner: Yui Suzuki for Renoir
Countries: Japan, France, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia, Qatar

Quote from the winner:

“…When I was told the news I got so excited I jumped for joy. I feel like this prize will change my life in a big way. I will keep doing my best as a performer. I’m so grateful to the director, cast, and crew of Renoir. And also for the support from my family and manager.”

– Yui Suzuki, Actor in Renoir

Cultural Diversity Award

For outstanding contribution to the promotion and preservation of cultural diversity through film
Winner: Black Red Yellow
Country: Kyrgyzstan
Directed by: Aktan Arym Kubat
Produced by: Aktan Arym Kubat

Quote from the winner:

“…As they say, there is no country without culture. May diverse forms of cinema continue to grow and flourish. I would also like to express my deep gratitude to Asia Pacific Screen Academy which continues to present and promote Asian cinema to the world.”

– Aktan Arym Kubat, Director & Producer of Black Red Yellow.

Young Cinema Award in partnership with NETPAC

Awarded to an impressive first or second-time feature director in recognition of the abundant emerging talent of the Asia Pacific
Winner: Rohan Parashuram Kanawade for Cactus Pears (Sabar Bonda)
Countries: India, United Kingdom, Canada

Quote from the winner:

“I am really excited, thrilled, happy and humbled for receiving the Young Cinema Award at the 18th Asia Pacific Screen Awards. Thank you to you who selected us for this award, and it means a lot to get this recognition.”

– Rohan Parashuram Kanawade, Director of Cactus Pears (Sabar Bonda)

FIAPF AWARD

Determined by APSA founding partner FIAPF – International Federation of Film Producers Associations, the FIAPF Award recognises outstanding achievement in film in the Asia Pacific

Winner: Greer Simpkin

Country: Australia

Quote from the winner:

“I am deeply honoured to have been awarded the 2025 FIAPF Award for Outstanding Achievement in Film in the Asia Pacific Region. At a time in the industry when producing independent cinema is increasingly hard to do, it is truly humbling to have been recognised by my peers and provides a great deal of personal encouragement. Our company, Bunya Productions, strives to collaborate with storytellers to make films that are meaningful and inspiring. It will be a delight to accept this award at the wonderful Asia Pacific Screen Awards, an event which does so much to recognise and encourage filmmakers and cinema from our diverse region.”

– Greer Simpkin, Winner FIAPF Award

7th ASIA PACIFIC SCREEN FORUM HIGHLIGHTS & SCREENINGS

Taking place in the week of APSA at The Langham, Gold Coast and with screenings at HOTA, Home of the Arts, is the 7th Asia Pacific Screen Forum, which returns with a dynamic program of panels, masterclasses, roundtables and networking sessions designed to connect filmmakers, producers and screen professionals from across the Asia Pacific region. This year’s Forum will spotlight collaboration, diversity and global pathways for Asia Pacific storytellers beyond borders, encouraging those making their way to the forum to come with a project and leave with a pathway.

Spotlight on Rima Das
Acclaimed filmmaker Rima Das, nominated for Best Youth Film for Village Rockstars 2 at the 18th APSA, will feature on the panel The New Deal and lead a Youth Pitch Masterclass, offering valuable insight into crafting stories for and about the next generation. Village Rockstars 2 will screen at HOTA on Monday 24th November with a Q&A with Das following the screening.

Development, Development, Development
A deep dive into the evolving landscape of screen storytelling, moderated by Phil Enchelmaier (Screen Queensland) with Sam Dixon and Adam Briggs, creators of A Grand Mockery. Together they’ll explore the art of development, creative risk-taking and building stories that resonate across cultures. Joining is Dan Lake and Diya Eid of The Post Lounge Group, discussing nurturing talent and involving post throughout the development process.

Breaking into International Markets
Moderated by Dr Ruari Elkington (QUT), this session will bring together Greer Simpkin and David Jowsey of Bunya Productions alongside Zhanana Kurmasheva and Banu Ramazanova (director and producer of We Live Here, respectively), to share strategies for building partnerships and accessing audiences across borders. We Live Here will screen on Thursday 27th November with a Q&A with Kurmasheva and Ramazanova.

Bridging Cultures, Building Teams
A thought-provoking discussion exploring the human side of international collaboration, highlighting the experiences of creators working across diverse teams, with a special focus on Mark Dennen, whose global work includes projects with the United Nations.

The Global Stage
Supported by Netflix, this hands-on, technical deep dive will feature two world-class post-production technicians, led in the discussion by Dan Lake of The Post Lounge Group, giving attendees practical insights into the craft and innovation behind cinematic excellence.

Audience First: Finding, Knowing and Growing Your Viewers

A session dedicated to understanding how to reach and retain audiences in an increasingly competitive global marketplace. With the Vice President of Communications for the Asia Pacific region of the Motion Picture Association, Stephen Jenner, moderating, Audience First explores the intersection of creativity, marketing and technology, offering filmmakers practical tools to engage with and expand their audience base both in theatres and online. Sitting on the panel will be Jackie Keast, Editor of IF Magazine; Bec Pini, Entertainment & Screen Specialist – M4M Agency; Shuang Hu, actress, writer, filmmaker and content creator and host of the 18th APSA Ceremony; and Steve Jaggi, CEO, Jaggi Entertainment.

Tickets for the Asia Pacific Screen Forum are now available via www.asiapacificscreenawards.com

ROUNDTABLE HIGHLIGHTS

Roundtable discussions supported by Screen Queensland offer Queensland and interstate screen creatives a unique opportunity to exchange ideas, share craft insights and engage in open dialogue with peers and international filmmaker guests. Designed as a candid and supportive environment, these sessions invite participants to explore key industry issues, trends and professional development pathways alongside some of the region’s most acclaimed industry leaders.

Free to attend and available in-person only at The Langham, Gold Coast, the roundtables are open via Expression of Interest to a limited number of participants to ensure an intimate, closed-door setting held under Chatham House Rules. EOIs close 14 November, with successful participants notified by 17 November 2025.

EOI CLICK HERE

DOCUMENTARY ETHICS: TELLING STORIES ACROSS BORDERS
Tuesday 25th November, 10am – 12 noon
The Langham, Gold Coast

An open forum for documentary filmmakers grappling with the ethical complexities of cross-cultural storytelling. Discuss consent protocols, power dynamics, and responsibility when documenting communities different from your own. Share experiences of building trust with international subjects and navigating sensitive political landscapes.

ANIMATION ACROSS CULTURES: CHARACTER DESIGN AND STORYTELLING
Tuesday 25th November, 2.30pm – 4.30pm
The Langham, Gold Coast

A focused session for animation professionals working on international projects or seeking global audiences. Explore how character design choices, storytelling conventions, and visual styles translate across different cultural contexts, and share experiences of collaborative animation projects spanning multiple countries.

FILMMAKERS REDEFINING CULTURAL IDENTITY
Wednesday 26th November, 10am – 12 noon
The Langham, Gold Coast

A space to discuss how their backgrounds and global perspectives influence their storytelling. Explore questions of cultural authenticity, audience expectations, and whether the concept of “national cinema” still applies to a generation that thinks naturally beyond borders.

WORKING WITH YOUNG PEOPLE
Wednesday 26th November, 2.30pm – 4.30pm
The Langham, Gold Coast

An insightful conversation about the unique considerations, challenges, and rewards of working with young people in the film industry. Share their experiences navigating child labour laws, creating safe and supportive production environments, and fostering talent while prioritising wellbeing.

Tickets for the Asia Pacific Screen Forum & Roundtables are now available via: www.asiapacificscreenawards.com

QUOTES:

Tracey Vieira, Chair of the Asia Pacific Screen Academy, said:

“This year’s APSA Awards and Forum embody the incredible creative diversity of our region, from Yui Suzuki’s breakout performance in Renoir and Aktan Arym Kubat’s profound storytelling in Black Red Yellow to Rohan Parashuram Kanawade’s inspiring recognition as an emerging director.

“Alongside these award recipients, our Forum brings together some of the most talented and respected voices in the screen industry from producers Greer Simpkin and David Jowsey to filmmaker Rima Das and cultural leader Mark Dennen. The exchange of ideas, experience and creativity across these sessions truly reflects APSA’s mission to unite, inspire and elevate filmmakers throughout the Asia Pacific and beyond borders.”

Yutao Li, Vice President of AW Jewel, said:

“We are proud to continue our support of the Asia Pacific Screen Awards, an event that celebrates creativity and cultural excellence on an international stage. Together with The Asian Pacific Screen Academy and other partners, we look forward to welcoming filmmakers and guests from around the world to Jewel Private Residences and The Langham, Gold Coast, a true home for cinematic artistry and collaboration.”

The 18th Asia Pacific Screen Awards Ceremony will be held on Thursday 27th November at The Langham, Gold Coast, celebrating the outstanding achievements of filmmakers from across the Asia Pacific region with the 7th Asia Pacific Screen Forum being held from 24th November to 27th November.

The Asia Pacific Screen Academy in partnership with Jewel Private Residences by AW Jewel acknowledges the support of Major Partners: the Top 51 World Filmmakers Club, luxury beachfront hotel The Langham, Gold Coast, Australia’s leading lifestyle, opportunity and filmmaking destination the City of Gold Coast, the state’s premier screen production and culture agency Screen Queensland, internationally acclaimed post house The Post Lounge Group, and Motion Picture Association (MPA) Asia Pacific – the leading global advocacy organisation protecting and promoting the voices of Asia Pacific screen makers.

For more information visit www.asiapacificscreenawards.com.

APSA SCREENINGS:

The Asia Pacific Screen Academy is excited to announce the first films in the 2025 Asia Pacific Screen Awards and Forum screenings program with tickets now on sale, which will be held at HOTA, Home of the Arts. Kicking off the season with a special early screening, APSA presents Happyend on Wednesday 12 November at 6:30pm, ahead of the main event period. This compelling youth drama from director Neo Sora explores friendship, surveillance, and political tension in a near-future Tokyo living under the threat of a catastrophic earthquake. The screening includes a recorded introduction by the director, winner of the Young Cinema Award for this film at the 17th APSA in 2024.

The main program features an outstanding selection of nominated films from the 18th Asia Pacific Screen Awards, including Rima Das’s coming-of-age drama Village Rockstars 2, the animated romance The Square set in Pyongyang, the APSA Gala screening of 10s Across the Borders, the colourful trailblazing documentary of the underground Ballroom culture in Southeast Asia, and the visually stunning silent film Samsara set in 1932 Bali. The overall screening program will include three Australian premieres and six Queensland ones, and several screenings will feature special in-person Q&A sessions with directors, producers, and cinematographers.

WEDNESDAY November 12th

HAPPYEND – M15+