Phuket and its new Film Festival

The film festival circuit is already fairly established, with the grand daddy of the Canes Film Festival leading the way, and Venice and Toronto being the next most credible. Now Phuket is throwing its reel into the ring with the October 20th debut of the first annual Phuket Film Festival.

Screenings and events will take place at SF Cinemas on Patong beach, in the Jungceylon Shopping Center, where over 30 feature films, short films and documentaries will be shown. The opening ceremonies will involve many Thai celebrities from both the big and small screens, as well as some international guests.

The opening movie is from Spain; a comedy called ‘Dance Machine’. There will also be many pre and post-festival parties, the first being the day before the festival opens, with artist peter Donnelly performing on Patong beach to promote the short film he’s featured in called ‘Sand Dancer’.

Aside from promoting films both domestic and international, Phuket authorities are hoping that turning the spotlights on the beautiful island will entice directors to make more use of the island as a shooting location.