The world in celluloid
River City Bangkok’s Film Club will present eight award-winning films in June, with screenings taking place over the weekends.
The event, to which admission is free, opens with Portuguese director Joao Canijo’s “Blood of My Blood” from Portugal on June 3 at 4pm. The film, which won over critics and audiences at numerous festivals around the world, was Portugal’s Oscar entry in 2011. It’s an intimate and moving domestic drama that offers a rare portrait of Portuguese society.
It will be followed on June 4 at the same time by “Villa Touma” directed by Suha Araf. This film by a renowned Israel-based Palestine scriptwriter, which has travelled extensively on the festival circuit, is centred on three aristocratic Christian sisters of Ramallah who lead an isolated life. Their life is turned upside down, when their young niece comes to live with them, and starts a secret affair with a Muslim activist.
Michael Winterbottom’s “Trishna” will be shown on June 10. The film, which created a stir on its release, is a torrid love-story based on British novelist Thomas Hardy’s classic novel ‘Tess of the Durbervilles’, and is colourfully and sensationally set in India, with Slumdog Millionaire heroine Frieda Pinto playing the lead.
Thai film “Jan Dara” directed by Nonzee Nimibutr will be screened on June 11 and a Q & A session will be held after the screening. The film, based on an erotic Thai novel, created waves because of its daring sex scenes.
The closing film will be “Queen” directed by Vikas Bahl on June 25. Top Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut won a National Award for this vibrant and vivacious film that was a huge box-office hit. She plays a shy Indian bride who goes on a solo honeymoon to Paris, when her fiance does not show up on their wedding day. She meets many unforgettable individuals, experiences various amazing adventures, and comes back to India, a changed woman.
River City Bangkok is located near Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel. A free boat service operates from Saphan Thaksin pier.
