NETPAC Award- The Network For the Promotion of Asian Cinema: "Foster Child"
Directed by: Brillante Mendoza
NETPAC (The Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema) is an international organisation that comprises filmmakers, critics, festivals, programmers, distributors, exhibitors, and film educators. Its fundamental aim is to promote Asian cinema's role in the development of cultural diversity and integrity in a contemporary, globalized world.

One of the ways of promoting Asian cinema is through the presentation of the NETPAC Award, which recognises exceptional and emerging filmmaking talents, at film festivals. The Brisbane International Film Festival is proud to host this award in Australia.

INTERFAITH- Interfaith Award is for Promoting
Humanitarian Values: "The Visitor"
Directed by: Thomas McCarthy
BIFF's Interfaith Award was inspired by the first Interfaith jury, convened at the 2003 Tehran Film Festival by SIGNIS president Father Peter Malone. SIGNIS, the World Catholic Association for Communication, organizes ecumenical juries to judge films on criteria that take into account artistic qualities as well as human, social, and spiritual dimensions.

Now in its fifth year, BIFF's Interfaith jury, comprising three jurors from diverse religious and/or spiritual backgrounds, will present the award to the film that most successfully espouses humanitarian values.
High commendation was given to "Little Moth"
Directed by: Peng Tao

The FIPRESCI award- Fédération Internationale de la Presse Cinématographique: "Good Cats"
Directed by: Ying Liang
Founded in the late 1920s in France, Belgium, and Italy, FIPRESCI (Fédération Internationale de la Presse Cinématographique) is the international federation of film critics, whose members reside in 60 countries and which is represented at many of the major international film festivals.

FIPRESCI's charter is to promote film art and to encourage new and young cinema. Its first jury prize was presented at the 1946 Cannes Film Festival to David Lean's Brief Encounter and Georges Rouquier's Farrebique. FIPRESCI awards the prestigious International Film Critics Prize at film festivals around the world.

Cine Sparks Jury Award: "The King of Ping Pong"
Directed by: Jens Jonsson
The Courier-Mail Queensland Short Film Competition Winners

The Courier-Mail Queensland Short Film Competition Audience Favourite Award (Apple Mac Book Pro and iPod Touch 16GB valued at $3300 from our sponsor Cirrus): "Nine Miles Beautiful," directed by Marty Moynihan and produced by Peter Blackburn.

The Courier-Mail Queensland Short Film Competition Critics Choice Award ($5000 cash from our sponsors The Courier-Mail) "Seize the Day," directed by Alex Chomicz and produced by Wade Savage.

Chauvel Award:
This year the 2008 Chauvel Award goes to Heath Ledger for his outstanding and significant contribution to Australian Cinema.

Kinetone Award 2008:
For significant contribution to the Queensland film industry

The Kinetone Award is voted both by industry peers and the public. Each year the nominations reflect the generosity and commitment of the industry's established professionals. Previous recipients have supported the industry through many avenues, including education, training, mentorship, and network development.

In 2008, the recipient of the Kinetone Award is Gary Keir. Gary's long history with film processing laboratory Atlab has seen him involved in many productions, from feature films to television commercials, since 1977. Gary opened Atlab Queensland as manager in 1991 and has since become a figurehead in the state's film and television industry.

His extensive involvement in the emerging local industry-for example, the establishment of the Kodak TVC Competition in 2001, festival sponsorships, participation in industry groups and panels, and avid support of the annual Warner Roadshow Studios Queensland New Filmmakers Awards-clearly demonstrates Gary's unswerving commitment.

For many years, Gary has selflessly devoted himself to mentoring newcomers, passing on to them his boundless/contagious enthusiasm and technological knowledge, and in 2000 the Australian Cinematographers Society recognised Gary's service to the industry with the Edwin Scragg Award.

Gary is highly respected by his peers and revered among filmmakers across the state. He has been instrumental in building Queensland's film industry-without people like Gary, Queensland would lack the sense of family, tradition, and close-knit support that currently enriches this creative industry.

Winner of the FIPRESCI Award: “THE HOME SONG STORIES”
Director: Tony Ayres (Australia/2007)

Winner of the NETPAC Award: “THE BET COLLECTOR” Director: Jeffrey Jeturian (Phillipines/2006)

Winner of the Interfaith Award: “THE JAMMED”
Director: Dee McLachlan (Australia/2007)

The Cine Sparks Young People's Jury was also present to give their verdict.

Winner for the Cine Sparks Film Jury Award: “QUINCEAÑERA” Director: Wash Westmoreland (United States/2006)