Centre stage

Published on September 21, 2007

Organised by Nation Multimedia, the 5th World Film Festival of Bangkok will feature more than 80 films selected from film festivals in Berlin, Venice, Cannes, Hong Kong and Singapore.

The festival aims to capture the attention of small-screen viewers with a programme on ModerNine TV (Channel 9) at 11pm on Saturdays from September 22 to November 24. Produced by Nation Channel, the 30-minute show will focus on the highlights and personalities involved in the World Film Festival, with a focus on three subjets, "World of Cinema", "World of Filmmakers" and "World of Digital Cinema".

German director Percy Adlon's award-winning surrealistic comedy film "Bagdad Cafe" (1987) will be featured on "World of Cinema", along with other highlights of other films to be screened at the festival. Thai indie director Nathapon Wongtrinetkul, winner of last year's "Produire au Sud" funds from the French Embassy, will be among the directors featured on "World of Filmmakers". Animated films by Hayao Miyasaki and his Studio Ghibli, including last year's "Tales from Earthsea", will be highlighted in the "World of Digital Cinema", along with sneak previews of other short films.

During the festival from October 25 to November 4, ten feature films from the festival will be aired on MCOT Channel 2 (UBC 27), featuring the original soundtracks with Thai subtitles.

The public is invited to join the festival by submitting short films for a contest on the theme of  "Father", in commemoration of His Majesty the King's 80th birthday. Students can participate by entering a contest on "From Books to Celluloid", in which contestants are invited to interpret "Lok Nai Duangta Kapajao", a poem by this year's SeaWrite Award winner, Montri Sriyong. Winning films will be selected to screen on MCOT 2.

For more details, see www.worldfilmbkk.com.

October 24 to November 4,

The Esplanade

----------------------------------

Recharge Revelation5 Global Gathering

October 27, Kuala Lumpur

As part of 2007's Visit Malaysia Year initiative, the biggest multi-artist international music event "Recharge Revelation5 Global Gathering" is happening in six arenas across Kuala Lumpur, from 2pm until late.

The fifth-annual festival features non-stop music that transcends boundaries - from rock, dance, hip-hop to electronic, jazz and retro - including top DJs Sander Van Doorn and Marcel Woods from the Netherlands, Damien Saint (UK), Voilah! (Singapore) and Anton Wirojono (Indonesia) - among the 50 acts altogether. Three acts from Thailand join the festival this year: Futon, Josh Ezelle (resident DJ from Bed Supperclub) and DJ Oum.

Tickets are Bt660 inclusive of two drinks, available at Thaiticketmajor and online at www.rechargeroom.com. Festival packages inclusive of air tickets, accommodation and festival pass can also be arranged, at goholiday.airasia.com.

-------------------------------------

Banlangmek the Musical

Muang Thai Ratchadalai Theatre, The Esplanade

September 27 to October 14

Director Thakonkiat Wirawan brings his hit dramatic musical to the new theatre. It's the tragic romance of Panrung (Sinjai Plengpanich), whose life complicates those of other characters from generation to generation, in a story infused with human desire. Also stars Songsit "Kop" Rungnopakunsroi, Jason Young, Te Pitisak, Mot Three G and Bie Sukrit. Tickets range from Bt500 to Bt2,500, available at Thaiticketmajor. For more information, call (02) 262 3456 or visit www.scenario.co.th.