The EU Film Festival in Bangkok opened Wednesday evening 30 May 2012 with a reception at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC). Ambassador of Denmark, H.E. Mikael Hemniti Winther performed the opening as Denmark currently holds the Presidency in the European Union.
The Ambassador explained that the Presidency also entitled Denmark to choose the opening movie. The Danish film “In A better World” was, however, an obvious choice since it was also the only film to be screened that had received an Oscar.
Mr. Winther also pointed out that one of the reasons that these films are worth watching is that in order to compete with the big Hollywood productions they need to tell a better story, have a better script or better actors. For Thai people who may not have the money to go to visit Europe, the films also offer a great way to better understand the mindset of the many Europeans that visit Thailand every year.
Bangkokians will have until 10 June to enjoy the many movies before the event moves to Chiangmai, where it will run during June 15th and 24th.
In A Better World will be shown in Bangkok on Sunday 3 June at 17:00 and Sunday 10 June at 11:00 and in Chiangmai on Sunday 17 June at 17:00 and Sunday 24 June at 11:00.
Another Danish film is “The Substitute” (Vikaren) from Denmark, which is a comedy about an elementary school teacher who can read children’s minds. Showtime in Bangkok: Sat, 2 June, 11:00 and Wed, 6 June, 17:00. Showtime in Chiangmai: Sat, 16 June, 11:00 and Wed, 20 June, 17:00.
The Finnish film “Princess” is shown in Bangkok: Thur, 31 May, 17:00 and Sat, 9 June, 17:00. Showtime in Chiangmai: Fri, 15 June, 17:00 and Sat, 23 June, 17:00.
The Swedish film “Everlasting moments” is shown in Bangkok: Tue, 5 June, 15:00 and Sun, 10 June, 18:50. Showtime in Chiangmai: Tue, 19 June, 15:00 and Sun, 24 June, 18:50.
Another Swedish film is “Pure”. Showtime in Bangkok: Thur, 31 May, 13:00 Sat, 9 June, 13:00. Showtime in Chiangmai: Fri, 15 June, 13:00 and Sat, 23 June, 13:00.
There is no Norwegian film in this year’s festival.
In all, the festival will present 23 films from 17 European Union-member countries. The range is wide with something of interest from children to drama, romance, comedy and documentary.
The opening night was preceded with a well visited reception with – of course – many Danish participants. See some of the many great photos on our Facebook page.
