NFAI To Host Thai Film Festival, A First For Pune!

August 2, 2017

As India and Thailand celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations, both countries are giving it all to bridge the Thai and Indian cultures. The Thai Film Festival is one such initiative. It will be held on August 4 and 5 at the National Film Archive of India (NFAI).

“This is the first ever Thai Film Festival to be held in Pune. We are showcasing seven films, all of which are contemporary and award-winning.

They depict the rich culture of Thailand as well as showcase universal stories,” said Prakash Magdum, Director of NFAI, who addressed the occasion at a press conference.

Also present at the event was the Royal Thai Consulate-General, Ekapol Poolpipat who mentioned why they chose Pune to conduct this festival.

“There is quite a big Thai community in Pune. Most of them are students studying in institutions. Pune is also the home of top educational institutions and academies. It is full of energetic youth.

Thai films can definitely be introduced here. We have a rich selection of documentaries, horror films and love stories, some of which have won accolades around the world or have been made independently.” He also remembers the first Indian film he watched in Thailand more than 40 years ago. That film turns out to be Haathi Mere Saathi (1971) starring Rajesh Khanna and Tanuja.

Adding to this, the Consulate General also spoke about seeking opportunities between the Thai and Indian film industry. “The Thai film industry hasn’t developed to its full potential yet. We do have a film school and we are looking for an opportunity to tie up with film schools in India. We need technological co-operation. There hasn’t been much communication on that front yet. We’d like to expand the Thai film market in India. The festival serves as the perfect way to link both the communities.”

Thailand has also become a favourable destination for many filmmakers as films being shot there get up to 15 per cent tax rebate with an additional three per cent on films that promotes the country and two per cent on films that utilise Thai film personalities in key roles. The country will be in focus at the International Film Festival of India, Goa in 2018.

The language of cinema is universal even though films have been made in numerous languages. Speaking about whether Thai films will find resonance amongst Indian cinema goers, Magdum says, “I hope Thai films are liked by Indian cinema lovers. The theme of the films playing at the festival is based on youth and love. These are themes that appeal to everyone.”

The festival is open to all where attendees will get to enjoy Thai films along with a cultural performance.