Wednesday, Apr 17, 2024 | Last Update : 12:34 AM IST
Reflecting the society
The audience has also been treated with a special dish (Thai Green Curry) during the screening.
A film is a reflection of our society and sometimes it connects the millions of hearts with its relatable storyline despite unknown language and settings. In order to bridge the cultural and social gap between India and Thailand, Namaste Thailand is back with the third edition of their film festival. Royal Thai-Embassy in association with PVR Cinemas inaugurated the filming extravaganza at the Select Citywalk with the screening of the modern Thai romantic comedy Friend Zone.
The glitzy inaugural ceremony saw the presence of eminent dignitaries including H.E. Mr. UNG Sean, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Cambodia, H.E. Mr. Sidharto R. Suryodipuro, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia, H.E. Mr. Ariel Andrade Galindo, and Ambassador of EL Salvador. Following a welcome address from H.E. Chutintorn Gongsakdi, Ambassador of Thailand and Renaud Palliere, CEO, International Development, PVR Ltd. the curtains were raised on the three-day festival with the screening of “Friend Zone”, a Thai romantic comedy depicting a grey zone where relationships are trapped between being friends and lovers.
The 2019 version of the film festival is the third edition of the initiative since 2017 to bridge the gap between Indian and Thai cultures by bringing a taste of Thai films to the Indian audience. The festival is on 14-16 June 2019 and features six specially curated movies that display the culture and tradition of Thailand in various ways.
“We are happy that people turned up in large numbers for the inauguration and the screening of Friend Zone. The festival will continue until Sunday with five more films. Films are no doubt a reflection of a society, as films reflect how people think and the way they tell stories. This year we have chosen 6 films, which are 6 different stories told in different ways, but they all reflect Thai culture & society. Whatever your movie preferences are, we have them all here. We hope that you will enjoy the uniqueness and the diversity of the Thai culture and her people, as well as recognize the similarities and linkages between our two cultures.” said H.E. Chutintorn Gongsakdi, the Ambassador of Thailand to India.
The selection of movies includes almost every genre of cinema, including drama, comedy, horror, documentary and animation. Other films which were screened in the festival are 2,215, Homestay, The Promise, The Legend of Muay Thai: 9 Satra and Suddenly Twenty.
The audience has also been treated with a special dish (Thai Green Curry) during the screening. The Chef from Ambassador’s Residence has collaborated with PVR’s Chef Mayank Tiwari to introduce the audience to the authentic Thai flavours.
Marking the occasion, Renaud Palliere, CEO, International Development, said, “We are delighted to partner with the Royal Thai Embassy to bring Thaiculture to the multiplex for moviegoers. With this initiative, PVR Cinemas reiterates its focus to enhance the movie-watching experience for its audience not only with bespoke hospitality services but also by screening alternate content.” Namaste Thailand Film Festival souvenirs have been handed out at the Festival for people who came to see the films and participate in their Facebook activity. All screenings were free of cost and on the first-come-first-serve basis.
