What are the dates for the festival?
4th Dec - 10th Dec 2008

What is the aim of the festival?
This is an annual film and documentary festival to celebrate excellence for first-time producers, directors, writers, cinematographers, actors and documentary makers from the Asian Pacific Diaspora.

It will also serve to raise the profile of these first-time filmmakers and to provide a platform for commercial film transactions to take place. Basically, we introduce the producers to the buyers.

How does one define Asian or Paicifc origin?
'Asian' origin being defined as being of Asian Pacific descent (i.e. with at least one parent being native to or the applicant being a citizen of one of the following countries):

Afghanistan, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Cyprus, East Timor, Egypt, Georgia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Nepal, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen.

Is there a screening schedule for the films?
The screening schedule with the dates and venues of the screenings of selected films will be posted on the Festival website prior to the event.

What films & documentaries are eligible and what type of criteria are being judged for the films?
Any and all films & documentaries are eligible for the festival; they can be about anything, so long as the topic is clear and the film is appropriate for viewing (i.e. no pornography). There are no specific criteria as far as technique for judging the films. Winners will be chosen based on creativity and originality.

Who will be judging at the film festival?
An eminent Jury comprising film and documentary personalities will be invited to judge the best in each category.

Will prizes be awarded to winning filmmakers?
Currently we are working on several great prize options. The winners will receive their awards on 10th December at a glittering ceremony to be telecast across the region. We expect nominees to be present at the awards ceremony and will work towards hosting them during their stay.

Will all submitted films be shown at the film festival?
There will be a screening process for selection of which films will participate in the festival. After the selection process up to four films in each category will be nominated. Up to 36 films (comprising up to 28 feature films and 8 documentaries) will be screened at the Asian Festival of 1st Films to be held from 4th Dec to 10th Dec 2008.

Can I submit more than one film?
Yes, you can submit as many films as you like, provided that each entry is accompanied by a completed Entry Form and other documents.

Can a film be nominated in more than one category?
Yes, films can be nominated across categories as long as they qualify our guidelines.

Do films or documentaries have to be on a particular topic or genre?
No. Films can be in any style or on any topic, but must not breach copyright, defamation or anti-discrimination laws.

What format should my film be in?
Feature films final screening print should be in 35mm, 70mm, digital or HD formats. Documentaries may be on any format. All entries for both the Features and Documentary competitions are to be submitted on VHS Pal or DVD only.

If your film is selected for screening, you may be asked to provide a higher quality copy such as Betacam (if available). Finalists may be contacted to discuss options in this regard.

What are the length restrictions for feature film or documentary?
Minimum length of 80 minutes, including all titles and credits for Feature Films.  There is no minimum length for Documentaries.

Is there an entry fee for the film competitions?
No, there is no entry fee for the submission of Features or documentaries

When will I find out if my film is a finalist?
All entrants will be advised usually by email, as to whether or not they have been selected for the festival. Notification will occur in November 2008.

When will the finalists and winners be screened?
The selected feature films and documentaries will be screened from 4^th December - 10^th December 2008 in Singapore at the Golden Village multiplex venue and the Arts House.

Can anyone come to watch the film festival?
Yes, this event is open to the public and will be advertised in the lead up to the event.  Film screenings and their respective venues will be confirmed at a later date.

What time will the screening of the films be from start and finish?
More details will be provided on our website closer to the event.

How do I receive press accreditation?
You will need to provide the publicity department with a letter from your editor or producer that confirms your assignment to cover the Asian Pacific Festival of 1st Films and states when the coverage will run.

 
What are the award categories?
There are 11 awards in the categories of: Best Film, Best Director, Best Producer, Best Actor in a Leading Role, Best Actress in a Leading Role, Best Script or Screenplay, Best Cinematographer or Editor, Best Documentary, Best Director (Documentary), Foriegn Press Award and BestShort Film Award.