A Grand Cinematic Celebration at the Bangkok International Film Festival
Bangkok is an Asian city to be reckoned with. Expanding its horizons with each passing year this cultural melting pot in Asia is fast becoming a regional powerhouse in its own right. Renowned worldwide for its pristine beaches, pastoral scenes, bustling cityscape and its happy-go-lucky attitude, Bangkok is also carving out an identity for itself that reflects its cultural diversity and richness.
Showcasing its aptitude for the arts and culture, the luminous city is also synonymous with its cinematic offering in the form of the prestigious Bangkok International Film Festival. A celebration of the region’s cinematic prowess, this annual event has dominated the movie buff’s calendar since its inception in 2003. A full fledged film festival the likes of which has not been seen earlier in Thailand, the gala occasion comes complete with red carpet events, movie screenings, seminars and workshops by movie industry giants and of course the much sought after Golden Kinnaree Award.
Attracting a global audience, big Hollywood names to grace the event in the past have included screen legends such as Oliver Stone, Michael Douglas, Christopher Lee and Jeremy Irons while action heroes Steven Seagal and Jean-Claude Van Damme also took part in the opening ceremonies and after-parties of the festival.
Usually taking place in the SF World Cinema and Paragon Cineplex, over 80 films compete for the coveted award at the festival under two categories: the Southeast Asian Competition for regional works and the central competition which is devoted to debut and second-time directors.
The glamorous opening ceremony is another must-see as celebrities and VIP’s tread the red carpet with members of the press and screaming fans in attendance. Live performances also take place during this sensational event adding to the glitz and the panache of the festival. Themed events such as Thai Night, The Hollywood Glamorous Winter Ball Night and Director’s Night also take place during the festival.
Film fanatics will also enjoy the opportunity to trade industry secrets and learn of the practicalities of filmmaking with the impressive line-up that conducts the workshops at the festival each year. Past attendees have included Nicolas Chartier, Gregg Hale, Steven Berman, Jeremiah Hundley, Elaine Dysinger, Bey Logan, Danny Leiner and Robert M. Nau to name a few. The panellists shed light on aspects such as production services, distribution and making films that are marketable while delving deep into the process of bringing a script to life.
The awarding of the prize for the Golden Kinnaree coincides with the closing ceremony of the festival where other prominent awards such as the Career Achievement Award and the Lifetime Achievement prize are also handed out, sometimes with the attendance of the Thai royal family. A veritable treasure trove for documentary and short film lovers, the other award categories at the festival include Best ASEAN Film, Best Feature Documentary, Best Asian Short Film, Best Cinematographer, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director and Best Film while new directors are also recognized for their contributions. The Best ASEAN Film award attracts creations from Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, Philippines, Burma, Vietnam and Indonesia.
A not to be missed event for all movie lovers in Asia and the world, the Bangkok International Film Festival is not only for serous moviegoers as animation fans will also not be disappointed with the festival’s line-up which included 40 animated works in its most current instalment.
When it comes to quality hotel accommodation Bangkok has to offer one cannot do better than the President Park Bangkok. Stylishly executed and comfortably furnished the hotel provides a Bangkok service apartment like no other.
About the Author
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.
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