The Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema (NETPAC) is proud to announce the nominees for the inaugural NETPAC Aruna Vasudev Award for the Best Asia Pacific Film 2024. The prestigious award will be presented at the closing ceremony of the 31st Festival International des Cinémas d’Asie (FICA), Vesoul, France, on February 18, 2025. The winner will receive a unique artwork designed by renowned Iranian artist Keivan Beiranvand.

In addition to celebrating cinematic excellence, NETPAC will also unveil the recipient of the 1st NETPAC Aruna Vasudev Award for Best Book on Asia Pacific Cinema during the same ceremony. These awards have been instituted to honor the legacy of Ms. Aruna Vasudev, a pioneering advocate for Asian cinema, who founded NETPAC in 1989.

Honoring a Legacy
Ms. Aruna Vasudev, a trailblazer in the field of Asian cinema, dedicated her life to promoting and critiquing films from the region. Her influential magazine, Cinemaya, ran for over 20 years, providing a platform for in-depth discussions on Asian cinema. Under her leadership, NETPAC grew into a global network of nearly 180 filmmakers, scholars, academics, curators, and film festival directors. The organization now recognizes outstanding Asia Pacific films at over 25 international film festivals, including Venice, Rotterdam, and Toronto.

The Selection Process
The NETPAC Aruna Vasudev Awards have been established as annual honors, with winners determined through a nomination process by NETPAC members. The presentation of the award will rotate among NETPAC-affiliated festivals.
For the first edition, the NETPAC Board carefully selected nominees from over 600 feature films released in 2024, representing the rich diversity and storytelling brilliance of Asia Pacific cinema. The selection reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to showcasing the best cinematic works from the region and supporting filmmakers who push artistic boundaries.

Looking Ahead
The announcement of the winners at FICA Vesoul 2025 will mark a significant milestone in NETPAC’s continued efforts to promote and recognize Asia Pacific cinema on a global scale. The film and literary awards will serve as a lasting tribute to Ms. Aruna Vasudev’s extraordinary contributions to the industry.
Stay tuned for further updates as NETPAC gears up for the grand celebration of Asia Pacific cinema at FICA Vesoul 2025.
 

BOB Post