Jafar Panahi Triumphs at the 2025 Asia Pacific Screen Awards

At the 18th Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA), Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi received dual honors for his film “It Was Just an Accident” (Un simple accident), winning both Best Film and Best Director. The ceremony, held at The Langham Hotel on Australia’s Gold Coast, recognized outstanding contributions to cinema from 24 countries and regions across the Asia Pacific, showcasing a diverse array of storytelling.

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Japanese director Akio Fujimoto's “Lost Land” (Harà Watan), which portrays the struggles of displaced Rohingya children, was awarded the Jury Grand Prize. Other notable winners included Singaporean filmmaker Tan Siyou, who took home Best Youth Film for “Amoeba,” and Korean director Kim Bo-sol, whose animation “The Square” won Best Animated Film. In the documentary category, Sepideh Farsi’s “Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk” was recognized as Best Documentary Film, providing a first-hand perspective from within Gaza.

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The APSA ceremony highlighted the achievements of filmmakers from various backgrounds. Chie Hayakawa won Best Screenplay for “Renoir,” while Hong Kong actor Sean Lau received Best Performance for his role in “Papa.” The Cultural Diversity Award went to Kyrgyz filmmaker Aktan Arym Kubat for “Black Red Yellow,” and India’s Rohan Parashuram Kanawade was honored with the Young Cinema Award for “Cactus Pears” (Sabar Bonda), which previously won the top prize at Sundance.

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The event also featured the announcement of the 2025 MPA APSA Academy Film Fund grants, awarded to projects from Thailand, Syria, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The APSA Academy, presided over by Australian screen legend Jack Thompson, now includes over 1,725 regional filmmakers, reflecting a growing community dedicated to diverse storytelling.

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Tracey Vieira, chair of the Asia Pacific Screen Awards, remarked on the increasing visibility of emerging filmmakers, stating, “This year, we continue to see a powerful surge of emerging filmmakers whose bold, authentic storytelling reflects one of the most diverse collections of perspectives APSA has ever showcased.” The awards ceremony was supported by major partners including Screen Queensland, Screen Australia, and the City of Gold Coast.

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While the awards celebrated diversity, some critics argue that the representation of certain regions remains limited. Concerns have been raised about the need for broader inclusion of voices from underrepresented areas within the Asia Pacific.

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• “It Was Just an Accident” — Jafar Panahi, Director of “It Was Just an Accident.”

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• “This year, we continue to see a powerful surge of emerging filmmakers whose bold, authentic storytelling reflects one of the most diverse collections of perspectives APSA has ever showcased,” — Tracey Vieira, Chair of APSA

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The 2025 Asia Pacific Screen Awards not only honored established filmmakers but also emphasized the importance of nurturing new talent, reflecting the evolving landscape of cinema in the region.

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