Time of their lives

In any movie, the journey taken by the leading character -or characters - inevitably represents some kind of expedition, whether of a physical or mental nature. The two girls who form the nucleus of Nithiwat Tharathorn's latest film "Nee Tam Galileo" ("Dear Galileo"), travel in both senses of the word, fleeing problems at home to spend a year exploring Europe and picking up odd jobs, and in so doing learn some real life lessons.

The story follows two young Thai women, Cherry (Chutima Teepanat) and Noon (Jarinporn Junkiat), who decide to backpack around Europe after one is suspended from university and the other suffers a heartbreak. As they travel and stay in London, Paris, Venice and Pisa, they meet a lot of people including a a Thai guy, Tum (Ray MacDonald), and the experience changes them.

"The two actresses have similar personalities to the characters and that makes them totally believable. Ray is perfect for the part of Tum," says Nithiwat, whose previous film was the hit romantic comedy "Seasons Change".

Running away

While "Dear Galileo" may initially convey a message about youngsters fleeing their problems, the director says that in the end, it's about learning not to be self-centred and understanding others.

"If you can't do that, you'll have trouble where ever you are and whoever you're with, even if it's someone you love," says the director.

Nithiwat says he learned a few lessons himself while shooting in Europe.

"Filming in Thailand is convenient and it means that the director can focus on filmmaking. In foreign countries where there are limitations, I not only had to focus on working but I also had to take care of my crew," he says.

The idea of spending time overseas is a dream for many young Thais but it's not always easy. Nithiwat recalls working in a Thai restaurant in London while he was studying for his master's degree. He was unable to graduate as illness cut short his stay and he returned home after eight months.

"People dream of a happy life in London or Paris with lots of spare time to travel around but it's not like that. When you work in a restaurant, you spend most of your time indoors and you stay in a small space to save money.

"I know many people do eventually settle down overseas and have a happy life but for me, there's no place like home," he says.

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>> Nithiwat advertised on www.FilmExtras.co.uk for actors to play small parts during three weeks of filming in London. They included a nerdy Man-U fan and an Indian male to play a complaining customer in a restaurant.

>> Galileo Galilei was the Italian physicist and astronomer who championed and supported Copernicanism, the belief that Earth is not the centre of the universe.

 >> "Nee Tam Galileo" ("Dear Galileo") is in cinemas today. Visit www.DearGalileo.com.