Bangkok International Film Festival Postponed until July

Anchalee Chaiworaporn / 23 December 2006

Due to unexpected financial reasons and screen shortage, Bangkok International Film Festival decided to delay the event until July, despite the fact that some film selections and confirmations have already been made.

The TAT statement said: “This postponement is due to the recent decision of a potential cinema venue not to proceed with further discussions with TAT because of financial considerations. This unexpected decision has compelled TAT to significantly alter its preparations, which had been having good progress until the sudden position change by the theater operator. Under this circumstance, TAT feels that it is in the best interest of the festival and its participants that the event is moved to July 2007 to enable a smooth transition to a new venue and to allow ample time for the acquisition of quality films for screening."

The postponement is inevitably affected by the shortage of venues at that time, which all are poured into for the release of Legend of King Naresuan. And then some foreign press have been trying to make somewhat a triangular conspirary theory between the film, the BKKIFF's postponement and the coup, due to the release date which is schedule on the Army Day of 18 January 2007. The fact is that, before the announcement of this press release, some arrangements had already been made with King Naresuan to open the festival and a retrospective will be made on the late Cherd Songsri's works. The Thai version of this report was just published in Matichon on Friday 22 Dec., an important daily quality newspaper that Thaksin attempted to take over last year. And the English version had already been prepared but had to be held back after the festival was announced for the postponement.

Prince Chatreechalerm has long been known as a supporter of film activities in Thailand, even during the first The Nation-supported Bangkok Film Festival which was headed by an American a decade ago and faced up local antagonism. In fact, not only the Bangkok International Film Festival will encounter the cinema venue's problems. All of the local film productions have already avoided 'a one-month time frame' that might clash with King Naresuan 's premiere. The last Thai film (Golden Riders) to be released prior to King Naresuan is set on 28 December, three weeks before, and the first films (GTH's Final Score and RS's Phee Mai Jim Fun) to be shown after this heritage film are planned on 1 February, two weeks after. Even Hollywood films have to stay away from this period, not only the festival. During the week of 18 January, only Legend of King Naresuan will be released. No Hollywood or no other Thai films.

The Thai film circle has its own way to handle the problems and things that come out. With all unexpected incidents that burst out in the last several months, it proves that only Thai team will know where to go and to solve them.

TAT's Press Release

Bangkok, Thailand, December 22, 2006 --The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced today that the Bangkok International Film Festival 2007, originally scheduled for January 26-February 5, 2007, has been postponed to July 2007. This postponement is due to the recent decision of a potential cinema venue not to proceed with further discussions with TAT because of financial considerations. This unexpected decision has compelled TAT to significantly alter its preparations, which had been having good progress until the sudden position change by the theater operator. Under this circumstance, TAT feels that it is in the best interest of the festival and its participants that the event is moved to July 2007 to enable a smooth transition to a new venue and to allow ample time for the acquisition of quality films for screening.

The location and dates for the July festival have not been determined, but the venue will be at a place in downtown Bangkok with modern theaters and convenient public access.

TAT will be providing further information on companies and the media wishing to participate in the festival and the Bangkok Film Market within two weeks after January 3, 2007.

TAT apologizes for any inconvenience this postponement may cause.

ฺ8 December 2006

Press Release from TAT
2007 Bangkok International Film Festival Announcing Management Changes  
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced today (8 Dec 2006) that due to the recent events in Thailand resulting in an unusual budget situation, the 2007 Bangkok International Film Festival (scheduled to run January 26 through February 5), will not be renewing it’s arrangement for management and consulting services from Beverly Hills based event management company Film Festival Management, Inc. (FFM). TAT has worked for 5 years in tandem with FFM to lift its once regional festival to a true world-class event.

TAT Director Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya said, “Both TAT and FFM still maintain a close and friendly relationship of mutual respect and there is a possibility of us collaborating on future festivals”. In response to the news, FFM International Director, Gary Dartnall stated; “While tremendously disappointed what we will be unable to take the Bangkok International Film Festival to the new heights that we planned for 2007, we are grateful to the Thai government for the years of support and the wonderful relationship we share. We wish TAT and the festival staff nothing but success and look forward to working again with them in the future.”

The Bangkok International Film Festival is an annual 10-day event that showcases international films to Thailand and Asia, while platforming Asian and Thai films to the rest of the world. With a series of workshops and seminars, the BKKIFF is one of the largest festivals in Asia.

VARIETY

FFM will not run '07 bangkok fest
Thai event will go ahead as scheduled from Jan. 26 through Feb. 5

Firm, which also previously operated the Palm Springs fest, was informed Monday by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

The TAT says that the fest will go ahead as skedded from Jan. 26 through Feb. 5 at a venue in downtown Bangkok, which has yet to be identified.

"We informed FFM that due to budgetary considerations it would be difficult to work together under current circumstances this year," TAT international PR division director and BIFF prexy, Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya said. "We hope to work together again in the future."

Many aspects of Thai life have been severely hit by the September military coup in Thailand. "We have been told that we have a budget for the festival of Baht130 million ($3.25 million)," said Kunjara Na Ayudhya.

Departure of FFM means that programming of the fest will be conducted by Thai locals and that program is likely to take a more Asian regional approach.

"We don't have much time and will work with our Asian neighbors," Kunjara Na Ayudhya said.

TAT and BIFF say they will also hold the Bangkok Film Market as planned Jan. 29-Feb. 2, at a venue to be announced and under a new market chief.