Despite wide-ranging adversities Thailand has undergone in 2021, things are looking up for the Thai cinema right now, specifically with our two famed, talented directors: Banjong Pisanthanakun and Apichatpong Weerasethakul.
Upcoming supernatural horror The Medium (aka Rang Zong) directed by Banjong Pisanthanakun has been announced as the winner of Best Bucheon at South Korea's 25th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN). The movie is praised for introducing a new experience of horror cinema with unique storytelling about shamanism in the northeastern part of Thailand. Korean film master Na Hong-jin lends his hands and magic in helping the Thai horror prodigy to conjure up a frightening, yet greatly entertaining, story for the movie.
The Medium already hit the cinema in South Korea and quickly shot to number one on the blockbuster, grossing over $1.1 million.
Meanwhile, at the other side of the Pacific, Apichatpong Weerasethakul has brought another fierce pride to the country with his latest release Memoria. Following the journey of Jessica (starred by Tilda Swinton) who suddenly encounters a series of mysterious bangs that leads her to a shocking discovery in a deep forest in Colombia, the film is Apichatpong's all-English-language debut picked up by the Cannes Film Festival for the world premiere on July 15.
It was reported that right after the screening, the audience gave a standing ovation to Memoria for over ten minutes, 14 to be specific, and now it has recognized with rave reviews from major critics with the likes of The Guardian and Indie Wire.
Aside from the joy to see local-made films receive recognition from the global audience, the bad news is both films do not have an official release date in Thailand yet. Bummer.
Update (on July 19): Memoria was announced as a joint winner of Jury Prize, Cannes' third most recognized accolade of the Best Picture category, alongside Ahed's Knee by Israeli filmmaker Nadav Lapid.
Apichatpong expressed his gratitude and thankfulness for the achievement in his acceptance speech while lending his voice on Thailand's current health and political crises:
“I am lucky to be standing here, while many of my countrymen cannot travel. Many of them suffer greatly from the pandemic, with the mismanagement of resources, healthcare, and vaccine accessibility. I want to call out for the Thai and Colombian governments, and the governments of countries in a similar situation, to please wake up, and work for your people, now.”
Memoria marks the Thai director's second time receiving Jury Prize from the festival, with Tropical Malady being the first one he accomplished back in 2004. Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives, Apichatpong's most acclaimed endeavor, was the winner of Palme d'Or prize in 2010.