The government is set to promote a selection of Thai movies at various international film festivals, starting with the Osaka Asian Film Festival in March. The announcement was made by Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the Pheu Thai Party and chairwoman of the National Committee on Soft Power Development.
Six Thai movies have been chosen for screening at the festival in Japan as part of the “Thai Cinema Kaleidoscope 2024” project in collaboration with the Royal Thai Consulate-General of Osaka. Among these films is last year’s hit, “Sup Pa Rer” (The Undertaker), directed by Thiti Srinuan, along with “Hoon Payon” by Phontharis Chotkijsadarsopon, “Waew Siang Fai” (Blazed Away, 2002) by Supamart Boonnil, “How We Say Goodbye” (2023) by Thunyachanok Aphisumphokul, “Puen-Mai-Sanit” (Not Friends, 2023) directed by Atta Hemwadee, and “Solids by the Seashore” (2023) by Patiparn Boontarig.
“Puen-Mai-Sanit” and “Solids by the Seashore” are among the films shortlisted for awards at the festival, with the government funding their involvement to bolster the presence of Thai cinema internationally.
The initiative is part of a broader strategy by the Thai government to back the movie industry and promote Thai culture globally. Paetongtarn expressed the government’s commitment to expanding support to more Thai films at other international festivals, such as the International Film Festival Rotterdam and the Berlin International Film Festival.
The 19th edition of the Osaka Asian Film Festival is scheduled to take place from March 1 to 10. (NNT)
