The Pattaya Film Festival 2024 officially launched with an electrifying opening ceremony presided over by Mr. Pratya Unphetwarakon, Vice Governor of Chonburi Province, and graced by a hearty welcome from Mr. Poramase Ngampiches, Mayor of Pattaya City. The highly anticipated event took place on 21 August 2024, turning the activity area on the 1st floor of Central Marina Pattaya into a hub of cinematic excitement.
The festival kicked off with an intriguing panel discussion titled “Pattaya: On Location – Developing Pattaya as a Filming Destination.” The panel featured a lineup of industry luminaries: Mr. Anucha Boonyawatana, President of the Thai Film Directors Association; Mr. Wasuthep Ketpetch, director of the heartfelt film Love You to Debt; and Mr. Thaneth Warakulnukroh, an actor whose illustrious career has made him a household name.
Throughout its run, the Pattaya Film Festival 2024 offers an array of captivating activities that promise to engage and entertain audiences. Attendees can enjoy free screenings of 26 remarkable films at various venues, including SF Cinema Central Marina, Major Cineplex Pattaya Avenue, Mahatai Pattaya Convention Center, and even outdoor screenings at Lan Pho Park, Na Klua. Film enthusiasts will also have the chance to attend seminars featuring guest speakers from across Asia—including Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Thailand—and learn from masterclasses conducted by rising star directors from Malaysia.
But that’s just the beginning! One of the festival’s standout features is the Pattaya Documentary Pitch, an event designed to mentor Thai documentary filmmakers with guidance from international experts. Participants will vie for an impressive total prize of 300,000 THB. Meanwhile, the Micro Cinema Meeting is set to bring together small cinema operators from all corners of the nation, fostering a vibrant network of film lovers.
For the younger audience, the School Cinema segment is a treasure trove of films tailored for school-aged children and teens, complete with engaging discussions and lectures. The Film Trip offers festival-goers an insider’s look at prominent filming locations within Pattaya City, revealing the magic behind the camera.
The festival wouldn’t be complete without a thrilling competition. Filmmakers will battle it out for the coveted Best Film award, which comes with a 5,000 USD prize and a trophy. This prestigious accolade will be decided by an esteemed panel of judges hailing from Malaysia, Portugal, and Thailand.
The Pattaya Film Festival is more than a celebration of cinema; it’s a cornerstone of Pattaya City’s ambitious endeavor to earn the title “City of Film” under UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network. The initiative aims to not only attract local and international productions to Pattaya but also to foster a culture where film becomes a powerful platform for cultural expression, economic growth, and education. The festival aspires to deepen audiences’ appreciation for the diverse and limitless possibilities of free expression through the art of film.
Don’t miss out on this cinematic extravaganza! For a detailed schedule of activities and film screenings, visit the Pattaya Film Festival Facebook page or check out their official website at vp.eventival.com/pattayaff/2024.
This festival sounds incredible! It’s amazing to see such support for the arts in Pattaya.
Agreed! But I hope they actually listen to filmmakers and not just use this as a marketing gimmick for tourism.
Good point, but even if it boosts tourism, isn’t that still a win-win? More exposure for films AND Pattaya?
Yeah, but sometimes these festivals overshadow local talent because of all the international glitz.
I think a global perspective can actually help local filmmakers. Networking with international experts is invaluable!
Does anyone else feel like these film festivals are just pretentious?
I’m curious about the ‘School Cinema’ segment. It’s great that they’re engaging kids and teens in film.
Totally! Introducing young minds to the arts can have a profound impact on their creativity and critical thinking.
As long as they don’t fill their heads with artsy nonsense. Kids need practical skills.
Practical skills are important, but so is creative expression! It’s all about balance.
I went to this festival last year and it was a blast. The outdoor screenings were my favorite.
Hats off to Pratya and Poramase for leading this. It’s about time Pattaya got its due recognition in the film industry.
Are you sure it’s about the city getting recognition or these officials getting more mileage out of their roles?
Politics and art often mix, unfortunately. But if the end result is good for filmmakers, I’m all for it.
The emphasis on kids’ programming is wonderful! Future generations are the key to sustainable art cultures.
26 free films? That’s insane! But I guess they have to do something to justify pulling money from the city’s budget.
Or maybe it’s an investment? Culture can significantly contribute to a city’s economy.
If you’re just interested in ROI, you might as well invest in another shopping mall. This is about culture.
Fair enough, but not everyone will see it that way. Cities have tight budgets.
The competition sounds fierce! A $5000 prize plus international recognition is a huge deal for filmmakers.
Absolutely! This could be a life-changing opportunity for some.
I hope they actually pick the best film and not just the one that aligns with their agenda.
The festival’s focus on turning Pattaya into a major filming location is intriguing. Could this really work?
Why not? Thailand has beautiful landscapes and a rich culture. It’s about time!
I suppose so, but infrastructure and bureaucracy could be barriers.
The Pattaya Documentary Pitch caught my eye. Feels like we don’t see enough spotlight on docs in mainstream festivals.
Congrats to Pattaya! But do people even care about these festivals anymore?
Judging by the crowd last year, I’d say yes. Festivals bring communities together.
Amen! Plus, it’s a great excuse to binge-watch quality films.
True. I guess there’s something for everyone.
Why didn’t they invite more directors from Europe? Asian cinema is great, but diversity could be better.
Can I attend this thing virtually? Sounds cool but I can’t make it to Pattaya.
Does anyone know how to get tickets for the screenings? The website is kind of confusing.
Screenings are free, I think. But you probably need to register online.
Thanks, I’ll check it out again.
Can’t wait for the masterclasses. Learning from rising directors in Malaysia sounds like a fantastic opportunity.