UNESCO

“Film is vital to fostering cultural diversity, and promoting mutual understanding, dialogue and peace. It is for this reason that UNESCO forged its link with APSA which it sees as a most important cultural initiative, not just in the Asia Pacific region, but globally.” – Irina Bokova, Director-General, UNESCO

UNESCO works to create the conditions for dialogue among civilizations, cultures and peoples, based upon respect for commonly shared values. It is through this dialogue that the world can achieve global visions of sustainable development encompassing observance of human rights, mutual respect and the alleviation of poverty, all of which are at the heart of UNESCO’S mission and activities.

UNESCO’s mission is to contribute to the building of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication and information.

Irina Bokova, Director-General

As the United Nations agency responsible for promoting culture as a means for dialogue and understanding among peoples, UNESCO is proud of its association with the Asia Pacific Screen Awards, now in their fourth year.

The dynamism and creativity of the Asia Pacific region is exceptional. The Asia Pacific Screen Awards are recognition of this brilliance and also of the need to raise greater awareness about it. The diversity of cultures and peoples has global relevance. Local and regional riches are wealth for all.

These Awards bring together the finest filmmaking in the Asia Pacific region. Thirty one films from 15 countries and areas have been nominated for the highest accolade, ranging from documentary and children’s to animated and feature films. Each of them reveals a different aspect of this region and a new feature of the world we share. Every angle is different and singular, but they are all joined by the desire to forge a vision of the world, to explore the challenges that we face, to expose the movement of life. There is nothing like film for capturing the intimate and sharing it for all to see and to feel.

This is why I see the Asia Pacific Screen Awards as such an important international initiative. I commend the state of Queensland for its support, which fits well with UNESCO’s objectives to promote the diversity of the cultures of humanity. The underlying aim of the Awards is to promote through film greater understanding of our differences in such a way that it supports our greater unity. Peace must be built in the minds of men and women. The wisdom is age-old, but this statement from UNESCO’s constitution has perhaps never been as relevant as it is today.

2010 Asia Pacific Screen Awards Official Program