Thai Film Fest: Strengthening cultural ties through cinema

In commemoration of 67 years of diplomatic ties between Thailand and Malaysia, the Royal Thai Embassy hosted the Thai Film Festival from August 16 to 18, 2024. This festival celebrated the enduring relationship between the two nations, highlighting the power of cinema to bridge cultural divides.

Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia, H.E. Ms. Lada Phumas, inaugurated the festival, expressing her hopes that the event would further strengthen people-to-people connections and deepen mutual understanding between Malaysians and Thais. “This year, we continue our journey to bring the captivating and vibrant world of Thai cinema even closer to our friends in Malaysia,” she stated, emphasizing the festival’s role in fostering cultural bonds.

IGNITE THAILAND

A significant highlight of the festival was the “IGNITE THAILAND: A Premier Destination for High Profile Film Production” Special Talk, held on August 16 at the Aurum Theatre in Kuala Lumpur. The talk, organized by the Royal Thai Embassy in collaboration with Thailand’s Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) Malaysia and the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS), attracted key figures from both Thai and Malaysian film industries.

The discussion focused on promoting Thailand as a premier destination for international film production. Ambassador Lada outlined the measures Thailand is taking to support this vision, including the provision of film funds, a new VISA regime, and government-backed local talent training programs. Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib, CEO of FINAS, commended the initiative, emphasizing the potential for greater collaboration between the two countries in the film sector.

Showcasing the best of Thai cinema

The festival featured five acclaimed Thai films, showcasing the diversity and richness of Thailand’s film industry. Among the films screened were The Undertaker (Comedy-horror), Not Friends (Coming-of-age comedy-drama), Daeng (Comedy-horror), Haunted Tales (Horror), and Mantra Warrior: The Legend of The Eight Moons (Animation). The screenings, held at various Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) locations, were free to the public, drawing large crowds and further solidifying the cultural exchange between Thailand and Malaysia.

As the festival came to a close, it was clear that the Thai Film Festival in Malaysia 2024 had succeeded in not only entertaining audiences but also in strengthening the cultural ties between the two nations. With a shared appreciation for film and storytelling, Thailand and Malaysia continue to build on their long-standing partnership, looking forward to many more years of collaboration and friendship.