RTB feature to compete in Bangkok film festival
By Rosli Abidin Yahya

The Bangkok International Film Festival 2004 will host a separate competition for shorts and features produced in the 10 Asean countries, scheduled to take place from January 22 to February 2 in the Thai capital. They will be screened throughout the period and judged by members of FIPRESCI (International Association of Film Critics). Radio Television Brunei is expected to send its own feature that won at the RTB Awards Night 2003 last December 27.

Organised by Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), this event is set to preview a total of 12 films from all around the world. It will be divided into four categories; Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Director, leading to the second annual Golden Kinnaree Awards to be presented in the Awards Gala on January 31 at Royal Thai Naval Conference.

Shots and documentaries will also be showcased for another three Kinnaree Awards; namely Best Short Animation (Asean), Best Documentary and Best Short Film (Asean). Encompassing the best of world cinema, this festival will also screen the finest of Asia, amounting to 150 diverse films of the past year. It will also introduce the inaugural Bangkok Film Market (BFM), which is expected to be one of Asia's most unique international business-oriented film markets.

The event will be capped by a presentation of the Golden Lens Award to celebrated Australian cinematographer Christopher Doyle on January 31. Doyle is a much-awarded cameraman whose latest film, Philip Noyce's Rabbit Proof Fence, brought the curtain down on the last International Film Festival of India in New Delhi.

In a statement, Juthamas Siriwan, TAT Governor and Bangkok International Film Festival president said: "On behalf of the Royal Thai Government and Tourism Authority of Thailand, I wish to extend an invitation to you to attend the 2004 Bangkok International Film Festival. Last year, over 50,000 tickets were sold for our festival, where attendees were treated to the best in international and Thai cinema. We anticipate that even more will attend this year!

"Not only will you have the opportunity to view the best filmmaking from around the globe, you will also experience the vibrancy and energy of our ancient yet ultra-modern city, Bangkok. With its warm and inviting people, hotels and spas rated the best in the world, and our exotic cultural venues - there is virtually something for everyone."

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin