Thai film up for award in Berlin

'Tang Wong', the latest film by director Kongdej Jaturanrasmee, is a nominee for the youth-oriented Crystal Bear special award worth 7,500 euro at the Berlin International Film Festival, Chai Nakhonchai, director of Office of Contemporary Art and Culture (OCAC) said yesterday.

The festival runs from February 7 to 17.

"Tang Wong" is about a group of teenage schoolboys who make a vow at an altar, promising they will perform the traditional dance if they are successful in their endeavours. The film was made with the support of the OCAC under a film project in honour His Majesty the King's seventh cycle birthday.

The OCAC director praised the film's message as one of building self-esteem and appreciation for Thai culture among youths.