H I G H L I G H T S
- Total of foreign films shot in Thailand increased by 68% in 12 months
- Thai Government to focus film incentive policy on fostering international cooperation and on sustainable industry growth
Held tonight in Cannes by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) under the Ministry of Commerce, Royal Thai Government, Thailand cinema’s gala Thai Night 2018 - Where Films Come Alive will be presided over by her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi.
Ms Chutima Bunyapraphasara, Deputy Minister of Commerce of Thailand, will take advantage of the event to stress Thailand’s objectives to capitalize on the highly successful Thai production incentives introduced at the start of 2017. As a result, the number of foreign feature films shot in Thailand increased by 68%, totaling 84 productions. The local productions are also enjoying success, domestically and abroad, which is leading to a renewed interest from the international film community to cooperate with Thai talent and services.
This year, Thailand has a strong showing at the festival, with no less than five Thai filmmakers participating in the Cannes line-up for their omnibus film “Ten Years Thailand”. Co-directed by Aditya Assarat, Chookiat Sakveerakul, Wisit Sasanatieng, Chulayarnnon Siriphol and Palme d’Or-winner Apichatpong Weerasethakul, the film will screen in the official selection, out of competition.
According to the Thai Ministry of Commerce, Thailand will concentrate its efforts on promoting Thai cinema and Thai film services abroad, fostering more international cooperation and coproductions, and attracting foreign investment in the Thai entertainment industry, but with a new important focus: to assist the industry, both domestic and international, in creating a more sustainable way of producing films, respectful of the environment and of local cultures.
Source: Department of International Trade Promotion, Ministry of Commerce, Royal Thai Government
Ms Chutima Bunyapraphasara, Deputy Minister of Commerce of Thailand, will take advantage of the event to stress Thailand’s objectives to capitalize on the highly successful Thai production incentives introduced at the start of 2017. As a result, the number of foreign feature films shot in Thailand increased by 68%, totaling 84 productions. The local productions are also enjoying success, domestically and abroad, which is leading to a renewed interest from the international film community to cooperate with Thai talent and services.
This year, Thailand has a strong showing at the festival, with no less than five Thai filmmakers participating in the Cannes line-up for their omnibus film “Ten Years Thailand”. Co-directed by Aditya Assarat, Chookiat Sakveerakul, Wisit Sasanatieng, Chulayarnnon Siriphol and Palme d’Or-winner Apichatpong Weerasethakul, the film will screen in the official selection, out of competition.
According to the Thai Ministry of Commerce, Thailand will concentrate its efforts on promoting Thai cinema and Thai film services abroad, fostering more international cooperation and coproductions, and attracting foreign investment in the Thai entertainment industry, but with a new important focus: to assist the industry, both domestic and international, in creating a more sustainable way of producing films, respectful of the environment and of local cultures.
Source: Department of International Trade Promotion, Ministry of Commerce, Royal Thai Government
Photos Mercedes Chatelin