The Asia Pacific Screen Laboratory (APSL) is a one-year film co-production training laboratory for emerging filmmakers. The APSL aims to match emerging filmmakers with award-winning mentors from Asia and Europe, to develop a script and pitch for funds to create a cross-cultural feature film that draws from the cinematic traditions of both regions. The initiative will build long-term connections among young filmmakers and more established mentors and producers to tell stories that showcase the connections between Asia and Europe.
In 2015, out of 30 submissions from 14 countries in the ASEM region, 2 film projects have been selected for this year-long training. On 26 November 2015, the APSL will present the results of the collaboration during the Asia Pacific Screen Awards in Brisbane, Australia. The mentors and selected filmmakers for the 3rd edition in 2016 will also be announced.
The APSL is one of the 6 selected projects of ASEF Creative Networks (2nd Edition). Project partners include Griffith Film School (Australia), NETPAC (Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema), Ateliers du Cinéma Européen (France), Mediterranean Film Institute (Greece), Australian Directors Guild (Australia), Torino Film Lab (Italy) and Asia Pacific Screen Academy (Australia).