Foreign buyers show interest in Thai flicks at Cannes: govt
Movies seen as key form of soft power
CANNES, FRANCE: Thai films being showcased at the 77th Cannes Film Festival are attracting great attention from prospective international buyers, a development which promises a brighter outlook for both the Thai film and tourism industries, the government said.
The Undertaker, Death Whisperer and Lahn Mah, which have grossed 720 million baht, 480 million baht and 300 million baht, respectively in Thailand, are likely to get a boost at the film festival taking place from May 14 to 25, Yupa Taweewattanakitbovorn, permanent secretary for culture, said yesterday.
These and other Thai films also double as mediums for promoting the charm of the Thai way of life, which is expected to bring more income to the country through tourism and a higher economic value to Thailand’s creative industry, she told the Bangkok Post.
In cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, 12 leading Thai filmmaking companies are showcasing their works at the Village International zone of the film festival, she said.
The zone welcomes national and regional film institutions from over 90 countries among 60 iconic pavilions.
The 12 Thai film companies are M Studio, Sahamongkol Film International, Brandthink, Neramitnung Film, GDH559, YGGDRAZIL Group, Night Edge Pictures, Benetone Films, Hollywood (Thailand), Kantana Motion Pictures, Halo Productions and Right Beyon and Thai Association of Boys Love Content.
Also, at the Thai pavilion in the Village International zone are a range of other activities aimed at promoting the other popular areas of Thai soft power, including Thai gastronomy and fashion, said Ms Yupa.
Tom yam kung spicy soup, Phat Mi Korat stir-fried noodles, Mi Krop Sai Krathong Thong crispy deep-fried thin rice noodles, and Khao Nieo Mamuang mango sticky rice are among the popular Thai dishes cooked in a cooking demonstration at the event and offered to international visitors to taste, she said.
Guests visiting the Thai pavilion are also being offered a pha khao ma traditional Thai chequered cloth as a free souvenir, she said.
The government also has a policy to promote Thailand as an ideal filming destination, she said.
Thailand has more than beautiful and interesting filming locations to offer but also efficient film crews and production houses, which the government believes will attract more international filmmakers and tourists to the country, she said.
The government is now seeking to promote Thailand’s soft power globally with the aim of generating 4 trillion baht in revenue.
Pheu Thai Party leader, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is chairwoman of the national committee on soft power development, which has spearheaded several initiatives in this area.