Georgia’s ‘Guria’ Wins Best Film at Asia Pacific Screen Awards

On October 30, the 19th Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA) celebrated a historic victory for Georgian cinema when Levan Koguashvili’s film Guria was named Best Film. The ceremony, held at The Star Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, also highlighted the rising profile of Thai director Sompot Chidgasornpongse, who captured the Director of the Year award.

Guria Takes Top Honor at the 19th Asia Pacific Screen Awards

Guria entered the competition as a co‑production that spanned seven countries: Georgia, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Bulgaria, Turkey, Norway and Saudi Arabia. The film’s ambitious reach reflected a growing trend of trans‑regional collaborations that aim to blend diverse cultural perspectives.

A multi‑national production story

The production team, led by producers Olena Yershova and Boris Frumin, coordinated shooting schedules across multiple continents while navigating varied funding mechanisms. Their effort illustrates how European film funds, Asian cultural grants and private investors can converge to support a single narrative.

• Georgia – primary creative hub and location for key scenes.
• Switzerland – provided post‑production facilities and tax incentives.
• Luxembourg – contributed a portion of the budget through the Film Fund Luxembourg.
• Bulgaria – offered studio space and local crew.
• Turkey – supplied additional locations and logistical support.
• Norway – assisted with cinematography equipment.
• Saudi Arabia – facilitated cultural exchange programs.

The film’s success demonstrates that a well‑structured co‑production can overcome logistical challenges and still deliver a compelling artistic statement.

Levan Koguashvili’s cinematic vision

Koguashvili, known for his nuanced storytelling and strong visual style, drew on personal experiences of post‑Soviet life in Georgia. Guria explores themes of identity, migration and the tension between tradition and modernity. Critics praised the director’s ability to weave intimate character moments with sweeping landscapes.

For a deeper look at Koguashvili’s career, see his profile on IMDb. The director’s previous work, such as Blind Dates, also earned international recognition, establishing him as a key figure in contemporary Georgian cinema.

Thailand’s Sompot Chidgasornpongse Wins Director of the Year

While Guria took the top prize, the Director of the Year award went to Thailand’s Sompot Chidgasornpongse for his film Moonlight Over the River. The film, a lyrical portrait of rural life, impressed the APSA jury with its poetic pacing and authentic performances.

The film that earned the prize

Moonlight Over the River follows a young fisherman who confronts the loss of his livelihood after a dam project reshapes the local ecosystem. The narrative balances social commentary with a quiet, observational style that has become a hallmark of Chidgasornpongse’s work.

More information about the director can be found on his IMDb page, which lists his recent projects and awards.

What the wins mean for Georgian and Thai cinema

The dual recognition at APSA signals a shift in the Asia‑Pacific film landscape. Both Georgia and Thailand are leveraging international festivals to showcase stories that resonate beyond their borders.

Boost for regional co‑production

Georgia’s success with a multi‑country production may encourage other filmmakers to seek similar partnerships. The Georgian Ministry of Culture has recently updated its co‑production guidelines, aiming to simplify cross‑border agreements. Details are available on the official Ministry website.

Thailand’s growing presence at APSA reflects the country’s investment in film education and infrastructure. The Thai Film Office reports an increase in international co‑production agreements over the past five years, a trend that aligns with the country’s broader cultural export strategy.

Industry reactions and future projects

Industry insiders praised the awards as validation of the region’s creative potential. In a statement released after the ceremony, the APSA jury chair highlighted the “rich storytelling” and “technical excellence” displayed by both winning films.

Following the win, Koguashvili announced plans for a new project set in the Caucasus, which will continue to explore themes of displacement and cultural memory. The director hinted that the film will involve collaborators from the same seven nations that supported Guria, reinforcing the value of sustained partnerships.

Chidgasornpongse, meanwhile, expressed interest in adapting a contemporary Thai novel for the screen, a project that could further cement Thailand’s reputation for literary adaptations.

Event highlights and ceremony details

The APSA ceremony featured performances by local Australian artists and a tribute to the late filmmaker Peter Weir, whose work has inspired many Asia‑Pacific directors. The event was streamed live on the official APSA website, allowing a global audience to witness the celebrations.

For a full list of award winners and nominees, visit the Asia Pacific Screen Awards official site. The organization also provides resources for filmmakers seeking to submit future projects.

Queensland’s support for the event was highlighted by the state government’s tourism department, which emphasized the economic and cultural benefits of hosting international film festivals. More information about Queensland’s cultural initiatives can be found on the Queensland government website.

Overall, the 19th APSA underscored the power of cinema to bridge cultures, celebrate artistic achievement and open doors for emerging talent across the Asia‑Pacific region.