BIFF downsized, to focus on Asian films

BIFF had to be rescheduled from January because TAT faced a budget cut, unavailability of theatres and the departure of an American consultancy team.

Deputy governor Surapol Savetaserani said the delay was mainly due to the festival's budget being slashed from Bt180 million to Bt60 million and unavailability of venues. The change of government also contributed to the problem as TAT could not access the budget during the transition.

"The smaller budget means we have to adjust many things and the delay was because we had only five months to prepare everything, which was too much of a rush," Surapol said. "But the new schedule is good because it doesn't clash with leading festivals like the Berlin International Film Festival."

The scaled-down festival will feature 100 films compared to 150 last year.

"This year we will focus on Asian cinema. Previously, we had an American film director and we had more films from Hollywood. Featuring films from this region will also save the cost of shipping and spending on festival guests," said Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, TAT's international PR director.

Chattan, who is in charge of the festival, said this year's event would pay more attention to filmgoers.

"We want it to truly benefit filmgoers. Previously, the objective was solely aimed at benefiting tourism and involving lots of well-known international guests. Now we are putting Thai filmgoers at the centre of attention," he said.

After the abrupt departure of US consulting firm Film Festival Management, TAT has turned to local allies. The Federation of National Film Association of Thailand will help with marketing and screening of Thai films.

Parinyaporn Pajee

 The Nation