Iranian films lead nominees in APSA

The Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA) announced that 37 films from 19 countries and areas have been nominated in this year's Asia pacific Screen Awards, the region's highest accolade in film.The announcement was made by APSA's International Jury President, Nasun Shi. Films from the Islamic Republic of Iran, People's Republic of China, Turkey and India will vie for the Best Feature Film Awards. The nominees are: Nader and Simin, A Separation from the Islamic Republic of Iran; Rang zidan fei (Let The Bullets Fly) from the People's Republic of China; Goodbye from the Islamic Republic of Iran; Bir Zamanlar Anadolu'da (Once upon A Time In Anatolia) from Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina; and Band Baaja Baaraat (Wedding Planners) from India. A total of 240 films entered this year's competition. Thirty-seven have received nominations for the 2011 awards, with winners to be announced at the ceremony on 24 November in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. Winners in the 5th APSA will be determined by an international jury headed by leading Hong Kong film producer Nansun Shi. Films are judged on cinematic excellence and the way in which they attest to their cultural origins. Apart from the major awards to be presented in November, two additional awards for outstanding achievement will also be included. They are the International Federation of Film Producers Associations Awards that is given for outstanding achievement in film in the Asia-Pacific region, and the UNESCO Awards for outstanding contributions to the promotion and preservation of cultural diversity through film.