RUSSELL CROWE TO LEAD ‘BEST ASIAN FILM’ JURY

SYDNEY: Hollywood star Russell Crowe will chair a jury to decide the best Asian production at Australia’s annual film awards this year, which will recognise excellence in Asian movie-making for the first time.

The new award for top Asian feature will be handed out at the prestigious bash here in December, as appetite for regional films surges Down Under.

The award and Crowe’s appointment are part of a plan by the Australian Academy for Film and Television Arts (AACTA) to boost the relationship between the nation’s respected film industry and its closest neighbours.

Sitting on the jury alongside Crowe will be Chinese director Lu Chuan, prolific Indian actor Anupam Kher, Oscar-nominated producer Gary Kurtz, and acclaimed South Korean writer, director and producer Kim KiDuk, among others.

“The Asian screen industry continues to grow, and the traditional borders to content distribution are breaking down.

“Audiences across the world are discovering what other regions have to offer,” said AACTA chief Damian Trewhella.

“There is strong audience demand for Asian cinema in Australia, and an increase in co-productions between Western and Asian filmmakers.

“Our programme seeks to bring the best and brightest from both regions to new audiences.”

Australia’s screen practitioners are also eyeing promotion in the booming Asian market.

According to Trewhella, the plan is to create more opportunities for collaboration.

According to the AACTA, the growing Chinese and Indian diaspora have had a substantial impact on Australian box office and cinema trends, an effect echoed by audiences from South Korea, Japan and elsewhere in Asia. AFP