Singapore | Association for Curators and Programmers of Asian Cinemas call for papers
The Association for Curators and Programmers of Asian Cinemas (ACPAC) has announced its launch symposium, ‘Rethinking Film Curation in Asian Cinemas’ to be held at the Asian Film Archive in Singapore 4–6 September 2025. This event is co-hosted with the Asian Film Archive (AFA) in Singapore and sponsored by Newcastle University, UK.
ACPAC was established as part of the research project Decolonising Film Curation: Asian Cinemas as Method, funded by Newcastle University. The Asian Film Archive (AFA), an institution dedicated to promoting Asian cinema and nurturing the development of film programmers, organises screenings, activities, and events to foster a deeper appreciation for Asian cinema.
The launch symposium aims to bring together film curators, programmers, other industry professionals, and scholars to address the following key and pressing questions related to the field of film curation in light of technological advancements and shifts in global geopolitics:
- What does film curation encompass, and what is its scope? How do we define the roles of film curators and programmers within today’s global cultural landscape?
- Has film curation evolved into a specialised profession, with its own standards, skills, and recognition, distinct from broader activities like those in film archives or festivals? How does it relate to the film industry as a whole and the broader cultural development of societies?
- What is the current state of film curation within the context of Asian cinemas?
- How should film curators and programmers adapt to address challenges brought by shifting global geopolitics and the AI revolution, while meeting future demands?
- Should and can film curation decolonise the appreciation and circulation of Asian cinemas in a global context?
They invite curators, programmers, other industry professionals, and scholars, to submit abstracts for 20-minute presentations. Submissions should include a 300-word abstract and include a brief bio (up to 150 words) and contact information.
Abstract Submission Deadline: 15 April 2025
Event dates: 4–6 September 2025