His Majesty through the lens

THE THAI Health Promotion Foundation, the Thai Public Broadcasting Service (Thai PBS), the Thai Film Director Association, and the youth network of Kodindy have joined up to organise a short film contest, “Rchewa Tham Dee Phuea Phor” (“Vocational College does Good for the King”), as a way of paying tribute to His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who passed away on October 13.
“Vocational college students both at the certificate and higher certificate levels are on the cusp of adulthood. They want and need freedom while still being attentive to the needs of others. This short film contest aims to strengthen awareness, cultivate a culture of philanthropy while hailing His Majesty the King as a significant role model. It is a small step for youth to take as they go through to the next stage of development,” says Dr Bundit Sornpaisarn, director of Thai Health’s major risk factors control section.
“The contest invites students at vocational schools nationwide to participate whether they have former filming experience or not. We want the youngsters to develop their creative ideas and thoughtful expression,” adds Bandit Thongdee, president of the Thai Film Director Association.
“I was once a vocational school graduate. So, I want to give these young people a chance to show off their creativity and become good role models for the next generation,” says Burinthorn “Heng” Saelor, founder of the Kodindy music festival and contest organiser.
The deadline for expression of interest is December 5. All applicants will participate in free workshops at Thai PBS on December 10, the first covering scriptwriting and led by Wattana “Jeab” Weerayawatana of “Yes Or No”, “Full House” and “Club Friday” fame. Sittipong “Harn” Kongthong, director of “Sabaidee Luang Phrabang”, will host the filmmaking workshop while acting coach Natchanit “Leejern” Jirarungroj of “Timeline” takes care of the acting training. Manuss “Toon” Worasing, winner of the Best Cinematography prize at the 22nd Supannahong Awards, leads the workshop on editing. The contest will be judged by Prachya Pinkaew and Nonzee Nimitbutr of the Thai Film Director Association.
The 10 qualifying teams will be posted on the contest’s fan page and receive suggestions from the judges. The winner will be announced on January 21. All teams will receive a certificate and the winners will get scholarships and attend a study tour led by a well-known director.

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- To apply and for more |information, visit Facebook.com/goodrcheva