MUMBAI: Countries from the Asia-Pacific region are invited to submit films for the region’s highest accolade in film for 2008, the Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSAs). Opening date for entries is 1 June. Submission details are available at www.asiapacificscreenawards.com/filmentries.

The Asia-Pacific region encompasses more than 70 countries and areas, including Russia in the north, to New Zealand in the south and from Turkey in the west, to Samoa in the east.

The independent APSA Nominations Council comprising distinguished international film industry members will meet in Brisbane, Australia, in September 2008 to shortlist works in all categories for final judging by the international Jury.

Academy-Award nominated director Bruce Beresford is president of the APSA 2008 Jury.

Submitting organizations from each country in the Asia-Pacific region are encouraged to complete the submission process as soon as possible. Entries close 1 September with APSA winners to be announced at the Awards ceremony on 11 November on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.

The Asia Pacific Screen Awards is in collaboration with CNN International, UNESCO and FIAPF- International Federation of Film Producers Associations.

Awards will be presented for the following achievements:

1. Jury Grand Prize
2. Best Feature Film
3. Best Animated Feature Film
4. Best Documentary Feature Film
5. Best Children’s Feature Film
6. Achievement in Directing
7. Best Screenplay
8. Achievement in Cinematography
9. Best Performance by an Actress
10. Best Performance by an Actor
 
Two major awards will be presented for outstanding achievement:
11. UNESCO Award

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Award for outstanding contribution to the promotion and preservation of cultural diversity through film.
12. FIAPF Award

The FIAPF – International Federation of Film Producers Associations will determine the winner of the award for outstanding achievement in film in the Asia-Pacific region.