The Thai film industry is hampered by inadequate funding and audience support

At a seminar Thursday at the World Film Festival of Bangkok 2022, TK Park, Central World, panelists said Thailand’s film industry needed more finance and practical help to compete internationally and boost soft power. At the conference on Thailand’s soft power in the global cinema business, director Chantana Tiprachartm said lack of support is Thai filmmakers’ biggest challenge.



Her students backed Thapanee Loosuwan’s film this year.




Tiprachartm “Chantana noted Thapanee Loosuwan’s “Blue Again” opening the Busan Film Festival after eight years.



“Thailand’s film industry cannot flourish because it is too tough to make films here,” stated Chantana, director of “Nha Harn” and member of the Thai Film Directors Association.



She said helping filmmakers, especially beginners, was vital.



Pramote Boonnumsuk of the Thai Media Fund (TMF) of the Culture Ministry, Pornchai Wongsri-udomporn of the National Federation of Thai Film Associations, and Chantana Tiprachartm, director of Nha Harn Film and Thai Film Directors Association member, attended the conversation.



Pramote



Pramote Boonnumsuk, a member of the Thai Media Fund (TMF) of the Culture Ministry, said the fund had limited cash for films but was effective at finding Thai and international partners to help Thai directors sell their films.



He advised young Thai filmmakers to make films for streaming or other internet platforms, adding that TMF will launch more filmmaker help initiatives in the future.




The National Federation of Thai Film Associations’ Pornchai said Thai people are the film industry’s strongest and weakest links.



Pornchai claims Thai films lack audience support despite having many talented people.



He agreed with Chantana that filmmakers badly need support.



Films are art and investments, thus they need good marketing and distribution.”



He believes a strong business model will enable filmmakers to continue making great films, but audience support must be increased.



The conference increased Thailand’s soft power to attract tourists and investment.