Jeremy Colson

Bangkok International Film Festival 2009 (September) 

THREE weeks to go, and the countdown has begun for the  Bangkok International Film Festival 2009 (BIFF’09). This year’s festival, starts on September 24  and will screen more than 80 feature films before the final night and the Golden Kinnaree Awards ceremony on September 30.

The movies have been selected by the Thai Film Directors Association and this year will be shown in two world-class venues – the SF World Cinema at Central World shopping mall, and the Paragon Cineplex at Siam Paragon shopping mall.

The venues are within a short distance of each other along a covered walkway, in the centre of Bangkok, but for those who don’t like walking, both venues are on the now famous Sky-Train that also provides traffic-free access to many of the capital’s tourist hotels.

BIFF’09, the 7th edition to be presented by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, is this year in collaboration with the Federation of National Film Associations of Thailand (Finfat).

Finfat chairman, and festival director, Mr Jareuk Kaljareuk, said the movies being screened at BIFF’09 have been selected to showcase the young generation of movie-makers.

“The film program 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.  The program will focus particularly on the new generation of filmmakers in the region, throughout Asia, and around the world”, he said at a press conference.

The festival is also an important showcase for Thailand’s film industry.

“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 film-making community.” Mr Jareuk said.

The festival is expected to attract  several celebrities, including Jean-Claude Van Damme who will be presenting his new action movie. Amand Assante, the well-known martial artist and action icon will also be attending, as will Korean star Byung-hun Lee of “G.I. Joe” fame.

The opening ceremony of BIFF’09 will be held in front of Central World. The ceremony will have a classical theme, emphasizing Thailand’s rich cultural heritage, and the important and long-held role of film within Thai culture. The welcoming banquet will be held near the Chao Phraya River.

Without quoting figures, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) chairman, Mr Weerasak Kowsurat, said the film industry produces significant revenue for the Thai economy and that Thailand is emerging as an increasingly important international film-making centre.

The TAT is pitching the festival as attracting ”respect and support” within both the domestic and international film industries. They believe it raises the profile of Thailand as a nation of culture, and reinforces the image of Bangkok as an entertainment hub.  

They also say that the festival attracts a large number of tourists who plan their visit to Thailand to coincide with the dates of the festival.