Editor

Take Your Seat at the Phuket Film Festival June 4 – 13

Thailand has recently undergone some traumatic events which lay heavy in the minds of its people. Lose of life and property damage in Bangkok was tragic. But things have returned to normal and it is time to Bring Back the Smile to Thailand.

Tourism accounts for 6-7% of total GNP in this country which has slowed to a trickle in the past few months because of the Bangkok disturbances. But we need you to come back; tourists need to return to experience and explore this delightful kingdom.

And there is no better time to visit Thailand then June 4 – 13 for the Phuket Film Festival. A stand alone tourist destination, easy to fly direct from many cities in the world, Phuket has remained an idyllic oasis in the recent "storm" which raged in Bangkok.

Now, with resorts on the island available at discounted prices, the Phuket Film Festival offers 10 days of great award winning movies, super parties and networking events with international filmmakers, cultural activities and of course, world famous Thai hospitality.

The Phuket Film Festival is unique in that events will be held all over the island allowing visitors to experience a slice of life of those that live on the island as activities take place in their "back yards".

The Festival kicks off with a Gala Opening on Saturday June 5 at one of the biggest boat marinas on the island, Royal Phuket Marina. An evening of networking with movie "stars", politicos and other VIPs from the island is in store, supported by free flow Kingfisher Beer, Mont Claire wine, and great food from Skippers and Silk restaurants.

Speaking of food, what other film festival in the world has its own fine chocolate partner? Phuket Film Festival does. Not only can you munch down on popcorn and soft drinks at Festival movies but Duc de Praslin Belgium chocolates are available at the movie theater during the Festival.

More unusual things to do at the Festival, one of the finest bespoke tailors in Thailand is joining us, FineStictch Tailors will show you great materials and craft them into clothing of your choice within a couple of days. Take your seat, watch movies, eat chocolate and get a new wardrobe, what more can you ask for?

On Sunday June 6, Howard and Nui, two of the islands noted international culinary and wine experts invite movie goers and music fans to their The Green Man in Rawi, for the Thailand première of a Hollywood movie filmed in Thailand The Prince and Me 4: The Elephant Adventure followed by a musical performance by Thailand's internationally acclaimed rap band Thaithanium (who's lead, Prinya Intachai is one of the stars in the movie). Thai stars Ase Wang, Vithaya Pansringarm, Prinja Intachai & Amarin Cholvibul will attend.

A Meet the Director's evening at Cape Yamu on Tuesday, June 8, not only will provide some of the most spectacular views of the islands in the Gulf but some great company as film aficionados join Hollywood director Darnell Martin for an informal evening of movie talk, networking, food and refreshment while watching a screening of Darnell's Cadillac Records.

Friday, June 11 will see the Thailand premiere of another film made in Thailand, Bitter/Sweet. Join Thai actresses Mamee Napakprapa Nakprasit & Viyada Umarin (and others) for the movie's gala reception at Vijitt Resort in Rawi.

The Festival winds up with a World Premier screening of Thai director Yuthlert Sippapk's Friday Killer which will be held at Kargo in the Laguna area. Discount beverage and great food as Yuthlert unfurls his "director's cut" of the first in his "Killers" trilogy. Wonderful opportunity to kick back with one of Thailand's prolific movie directors to discuss the Thai film industry (and party hearty!).

And what about the movies you ask? We have the international premiere of Adrian Granier's documentary Teenage Paparazzo, the Vietnamese action thriller Bai Rong (Clash), acclaimed Australian comedy Bran Nue Dae, FREE screenings of classic Thai films in tribute to Thai director Kom Akadj, two benefit screenings, a day of Alternative Lifestyle movies on 6/9 and much, much more.

Tickets for all events are available at the main theater screening location, the Coliseum Cineplex in Phuket Town.

Please join us at the Phuket Film Festival 2010 and help Bring Back the Smile to Thailand!