Social and Regional Changes To Be Highlighted at 2009 Bangkok Film Festival

BANGKOK -

The 7th Bangkok International Film Festival 2009, due to be held in the Thai capital between 24 - 30 September, 2009, will assume a strongly social and regional thematic focus with films that exemplify today’s era of change.

According to Mr. Jareuk Kaljareuk, Chairman of the Federation of National Film Associations of Thailand (FNFAT), and the Festival Director of BKKIFF’09, “The film programme will reflect and display the growing strength of filmmakers in the ASEAN region, the role of film in rapidly changing societies, and the technological developments that have made this possible. It will focus particularly on the new generation of filmmakers in the region, throughout Asia, and around the world.”

The focus on ASEAN filmmakers is especially important in the context of the new direction of ASEAN to create a stronger 10-member community of nations banded together under the slogan “One Vision, One Identity, One Sharing and Caring Community.”

It is also in line with the objective of making BKKIFF the foremost film festival of Southeast Asia.

Supported for the 7th year by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), this year’s BKKIFF will showcase around 80 films from across the world. The two competitive sections will comprise the Main Competition, featuring films by first and second-time directors, and the Southeast Asian Competition, featuring films from the region.

The films will be shows at SF World Cinema, CentralWorld, and Paragon Cineplex, Siam Paragon. The Golden Kinnaree Awards ceremony will be held at the Chatrium Suites Bangkok, a Dusit Thani Hotels partner.

Directors of Programming, Ms. Pimpaka Towira and Ms. Mai Meksawan have put together an exciting programme, after travelling many miles and spending many hours to seek out fresh and creative examples of film-making.

The Thai Film Directors Association will once again lead the artistic direction under its President, the well-known filmmaker Mr. Yongyoot Thongkongtoon.

Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat, the TAT Chairman, said: “BKKIFF is considered an important international festival which now attracts respect and support within both the domestic and international film industries. Moreover, it raises the profile of Thailand as a nation of culture and has tangible economic benefits.

“Thanks to the continued co-operation and commitment of all participants, it has become a great opportunity to promote both the Thai film industry and Thailand as the entertainment hub of the region and an international filmmaking centre.”

In turn, Mr. Jareuk says, “For a number of years, the Thai film industry has expanded both in its technological advances, its professional skills, and its artistic development. It is ready to take its place as a leading member of the international filmmaking community.”

Among the celebrities, directors, and producers expected to attend BKKIFF ‘09 are the action stars, Mr. Jean-Claude Van Damme, who will present his brand new action feature, Mr. Armand Assante, the well-known martial artist and action icon, and Mr. Byung-hun Lee, the Korean star who was picked by Hollywood to star in the blockbuster of the year, “G.I.Joe: The Rise of Cobra” as the leading character ‘Storm Shadow’.

Mr. Lee also captured Thai hearts with his role in the popular series “All In”.

The theme of this year’s festival is “Beauty Eternal”, which will reflect the period of the 60s. In line with that, the opening ceremony, to be held in front of CentralWorld, will take on a classical theme, emphasizing the rich cultural heritage of Thailand, and the important and long-held role of film within Thai culture.

The Seminars and Workshops will be held between 25-29 September, 2009, at the Chatrium Suites Bangkok.

Encouraging more films to be shot in Thailand is a strategic objective of the TAT, as it seeks to promote the Kingdom as a quality destination. Top locations for international film shooting in Thailand are Bangkok, Chonburi, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.

At last year’s festival, a bold and exciting programme of films, informative seminars, and a plethora of local and international stars made it an enormous success, attracting over 15,000 attendees, and overwhelmingly positive feedback.

It attracted a wider range of audience, including many who had never previously attended film events. This year, it is hoped to build on that success.

The final film programme will be announced on 5 September.

For further information: Tel: +66-2-6415917, +66-2-2030624 Fax: +66-2-6415919, email: info@bangkokfilm.org website: www.bangkokfilm.org

Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), +66-2-6415917, +66-2-2030624, fax, +66-2-6415919, info at bangkokfilm.org