Spanning the globe

:Genghis Khan: To the Ends of the Earth" epic

Organised by Nation Multimedia, the 5th World Film Festival of Bangkok opens on October 25 with the big-budget Japanese-Mongolian epic, "Genghis Khan".

Making its Southeast Asian premiere at The Esplanade Cineplex on Rachadaphisek Road, "Genghis Khan: To the Ends of the Earth and Sea", is a sweeping epic that follows the life and conquests of the great Mongol leader. The epic is directed by 69-year-old Japanese director Shinichiro Sawai, and stars Takashi Sorimachi and Korean actress Go Ah-ra. Most of the film was shot in Mongolia, where Khan is a national hero, and features more then 200 Japanese and Mongolian actors.

The film is produced by Japanese Kadokawa Productions in collaboration with Mongolian Nyamgavaa Productions to celebrate the 800th jubilee of the foundation of the Great Mongol State. With a

budget of US$20 million "Genghis Khan" had its world premiere in Mongolia's capital Ulan Bator in April this year.

To emphasise the links between literature and cinema, the organisers will introduce a new programme this year, "From Books to Celluloid", featuring dozens of films that have been inspired by or adapted from novels and poetry. These include veteran Thai director Euthana Mukdasanit's acclaimed film "Butterfly and Flowers", adapted from classic of the same title by writer Nipphan and experimental films by writer Suchart Sawasdsri. There will be short films contest on "From Books to Celluloid", in which contestants are invited to interpret "Lok Nai Duangta Kapajao" ("The World Through My Eyes"), a poem by this year's SeaWrite Award winner, Montri Sriyong. The festival will also pay tribute to Euthana with a "Lotus" award for lifetime achievement.

Kriangsak "Victor" Silakong says this year's event will be "fun and exciting", with programmes supported by the Alliance Francaise, Goethe Institut and the European Union, "who truly appreciate the value of good films".

The EU will present 20 of the best European feature films from the past year, including "The Man from London" (Hungary), "Fallen" (Latvia) and "Losers and Winners" (German).

The programme is divided into seven categories: EU films, World Cinema, Asian Contemporary, Documentaries, Short Films, Retrospective and The Tribute.

Other highlights are six retrospective films including "Bagdad Cafe" by German director Percy Adlon and five of films by Taiwanese actress/director Sylvia Chang, including "Dreams of Red Chamber". To bid farewell to the late legendary director Ingmar Bergman, who died on July 30, the festival will present his classic "The Devil's Eye".

The documentary section includes "Democracy for Sale" by Nation Channel senior producer and director Pipope Panichpak, and "Village People Radio Show" directed by Amir Mohammed and filmed in Pattani province. A special IMAX documentary from MacGillivray Freeman Films, "The Alps" will be an Asian premier as part of the festival. It will be screened at Krungsri IMAX at Paragon Cineplex.

Supported by the Alliance Francaise, two "Master Class" sessions will be held, with the film "A Nos Amours" by French director Maurice Pialat examined, while the "Cultural Diversity" class will focus on films that present change and hope in different cultures.

A new Thai film, "A Moment in June" by O Natapol, will make its premiere. It is the first production from the Produire au Sud funding project begun at the World Film Festival two years ago with support from the Alliance Francaise.

The festival also aims to capture the attention of small-screen viewers with a programme on ModerNine TV (Channel 9) at 11pm on Saturdays until November 24. Produced by Nation Channel, the 30-minute show will focus on the highlights and personalities involved in the World Film Festival, with a focus on "World of Cinema", "World of Filmmakers" and "World of Digital Cinema".

Details:

The World Film Festival of Bangkok brings cinematic culture to the local

big screen

The 5th World Film Festival of Bangkok

will be held from October 25 to November 4 at The Esplanade Cineplex on Ratchadaphisek Road (MRT: Thailand Cultural Centre). Tickets are Bt100 (Bt50 for students). For more information see www.worldfilmbkk.com

Weekend Staff

Weekend Magazine

Published on September 28, 2007