CHARLES MAIDEEN |Director | Southeast Asian Audio Visual Association (SAAVA) | Singapore Charles, an educator, academic, and producer, has over two decades of professional teaching experience in higher education, specializing in film and media studies in Singapore. Alongside his academic pursuits, he ardently fosters emerging talent, producing acclaimed films recognized both locally and internationally.

As a producer and associate producer, Charles has helmed fiction and non-fiction short films, many of which have received prestigious awards. Moreover, he has provided guidance and consultation to numerous filmmakers, contributing to their global recognition.

Beyond his production endeavours, Charles actively participates in various industry panels, juries, and committees, including Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority's Selection Committee for the Oscars' Best International Feature Film category. He also serves as an Advisory Council Member for the Singapore Film Commission, Evaluation Panel member for short form content grant, member of the pitch panel for commissioning of TV programmes in the drama, documentary, current affairs categories for national broadcaster, Mediacorp among other notable roles such as board member for the Singapore Indian Film and Theatre Explorers (SITFE)

Currently, Charles is engrossed in the production of two documentaries—one that chronicles the journey of one of Singapore’s most celebrated Visual Artist, an immigrant from a war torn country who has carved a niche for himself and his talent, which is nearing completion. Another, documentary film that delves into the medical realm, exploring the mysteries surrounding Topical Steroids Withdrawal (TSW).

Institute Profile: The Southeast Asian Audio-Visual Association (SAAVA) is a non-profit association that seeks to unify media producers in the region. The association’s mission is to advance creative development across the region, promote Southeast Asian media content and capabilities internationally, as well as stimulate business collaborations.

With a population of more than 650 million and a robust growing economy, the region provides tremendous opportunities for the media and entertainment industry. By strengthening regional alliances and partnerships between established producers, as well as encouraging and mentoring new media professionals, SAAVA aims to help its members ride on the growth of the region and succeed on international markets. Our members include producers, financiers, directors, distributors and exhibitors from the film, TV and digital media sectors.

SAAVA aims to foster collaboration and co-productions among media producers in Southeast Asia, while focussing on enhancing skills, implementing best practices and embracing new technologies. It strives to host media industry events both physically in Southeast Asia and virtually. Additionally, SAAVA provides opportunities through prizes, awards, grants and sponsorships for media students and professionals along with offering accreditation for industry experts. SAAVA seeks to forge connections with kindred organisations globally and promote Southeast Asia media content on an international scale, positioning Southeast Asia as a prime location for media production and advocating for Producers and co-production partners in the region.