Indian actor Shahana Goswami, known for her roles in films like 'Rock On!!', 'Firaaq', 'A Suitable Boy', 'Bombay Begums', 'Zwigato', and 'Santosh', will lead the international jury for the 18th Asia Pacific Screen Awards. Goswami's diverse experience in over 35 projects across four languages brings a global perspective to the jury. She will be joined by a panel of esteemed filmmakers and industry leaders, including Al Cossar, Ani Hoo, Tearepa Kahi, and Dan Villegas, to recognize excellence in Asia Pacific cinema.
The ceremony, taking place on the traditional land of the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region, will feature a star-studded lineup of international guests. Goswami will be joined by actor and ceremony host Shuang Hu, Indian director-producer-writer and 2025 APSA nominee Rima Das, and other notable figures. Australian attendees include Jack Thompson, Nick Waterman, Meg Washington, Schuyler Weiss, and Mike Goldman.
The youth, animation, and documentary jury will be led by Yulia Evina Bhara, founder of Indonesia's KawanKawan Media and a Variety International Impactful Woman of 2023. Bhara's producing credits include 'Autobiography', 'Tiger Stripes', and 'Dreaming & Dying'. She will be joined by Japanese writer-director Fujimoto Akio and Indian documentarian Nishtha Jain.
The MPA APSA Academy Film Fund jury will be chaired by Hong Kong's Kiki Fung, programme consultant for the Hong Kong International Film Festival. Fung will be joined by Ngo Thi Bich Hanh, vice president of the Vietnam Film Development Association, and Schuyler Weiss.
APSA chair Tracey Vieira highlighted the regional significance of the juries, stating that they showcase the extraordinary depth of talent across the Asia Pacific, from bold new voices to master filmmakers. Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney emphasized the awards' global impact, celebrating a diverse world of filmmaking and amplifying Queensland's creative voice on an international stage.
The Asia Pacific Screen Awards recognize cinematic excellence across 78 countries and areas, representing 4.5 billion people and producing half of the world's films.
