Thailand is ready for the 8th Bangkok ASEAN Film Festival (BAFF 2022), from Jan 20-25, a festival to drive Southeast Asian film industry to the world stage.

Thailand is ready for the 8th Bangkok ASEAN Film Festival (BAFF 2022), from Jan 20-25, a festival to drive Southeast Asian film industry to the world stage.

January 9, 2023: Minister of Culture Itthiphol Khunpluem chairs a press conference to announce the Bangkok ASEAN Film Festival 2022, joined by Ms Yupa Taweewatanakitbaworn, permanent secretary of the ministry; Mr. Kong Rithdee, deputy director of the Thai Film Archive; Ms. Pimpaka Towira, programming director of the festival; Ms. Yuvadee Thaihirun, producer of the Thai film Konjorn; as well as other distinguished guests and members of the press.

Mr. Itthiphol says: “The Ministry of Culture is pushing ahead with the policy to promote co-operation among the film communities of Asean nations and to expand Southeast Asian film to the world stage. We are also pushing Thailand to become a center of film and content production in Asia, as stipulated by the Strategic Film Industry Development Plan Phase 3 (2018-2022).”

He adds: “The Ministry has been working in collaboration with National Federation of Motion Pictures and Contents Associations, as well as other state and private agencies to organize the 8th Bangkok ASEAN Film Festival from January 20 to 25, 2023. The opening ceremony will take place at Paragon Cineplex on January 20, while the closing and awards ceremony will take place at SF World Cinema on January 25. The opening film is Ajoomma, a Singaporean film directed by He Shuming.”

Mr. Itthiphol says: “This will be the 8th edition of the Bangkok ASEAN Film Festival and it has been recognized by the international film community as one of the key events in the film calendar. The films and other film-related activities have continually drawn attention of general audiences as well as film professionals.”

 The program this year includes:

1. ASEAN Film Showcase, presenting 5 films from Southeast Asian nations and from Asian partner countries.
2. Hong Kong Film In Focus, a special section presenting 3 Hong Kong films, organized in partnership with Create Hong Kong (CreateHK).
3. ASEAN Classic, presenting 3 classic titles from Thailand, the Philippines and India, curated by Thai Film Archive (Public Organization).   
4. ASEAN Short Film Competition, featuring 14 short films selected from over 150 submissions. A panel of distinguished jury will hand out 3 awards: 1. Best Asean Short Film (a trophy and 2,000 USD cash prize). 2. Jury Prize (a trophy and 1,000 USD cash prize) 3 Special Mention, (a trophy and 500 USD cash prize).
   

All films are screened free of charge, with Thai and English subtitles. Find more information at www.facebook.com/BAngkokAseanFilmFestival and www.baff.go.th

Another important initiative is Southeast Asia Project Pitch (SEAPITCH). Over 30 applicants from across Southeast Asia submitted their film projects, of which 8 were selected. The finalists joined an online workshop and delivered their pitches to a panel of international experts. Three awards will be handed out:

1. SEAPITCH Award (a trophy and 5,000 USD cash prize)
2. Runner-Up Prize (a trophy and 3,000 cash prize)
3. Special Mention (a trophy and 2,000 USD cash prize).