Georgia’s ‘Guria’ Wins Best Film at Asia Pacific Screen Awards as Thailand’s Sompot Chidgasornpongse Takes Director Prize

Georgian filmmaker Levan Koguashvili’s “Guria” won Best Film at the 19th Asia Pacific Screen Awards on Oct. 30 at The Star Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia. Koguashvili shared the prize with fellow producers Olena Yershova and Boris Frumin. The film was made across seven countries: Georgia, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Bulgaria, Türkiye, Norway, and Saudi Arabia. Thailand’s Sompot Chidgasornpongse took Best Director for “9 Temples to the Moon,” which explores Bangkok’s rapid urban transformation. The awards, which celebrate cinematic excellence from 78 countries and areas in the Asia Pacific, highlight the region’s growing global influence. “Guria” follows a mother and son in rural Georgia as they confront economic hardship and family secrets, resonating with universal themes of resilience and identity. Koguashvili’s win marks a significant milestone for Georgian cinema, which has been gaining international recognition. The multi-country production underscores the increasing collaboration across borders in the region’s film industry. As Asia Pacific filmmakers continue to push creative boundaries, their stories are reaching wider audiences worldwide. The recognition of diverse voices signals a bright future for regional storytelling on the global stage.