Interview with Craig Prater Executive Director Bangkok International Film Festival


What is your biggest challenge this year Craig?

The biggest challenges for the film festival are certainly the management of two different staffs:
- The event coordination staff with the Tourism Authority of Thailand;
- The administration and creative staff of Film Festival Management.

Although the TAT speak beautiful English, we are faced with concerns of understanding and communication. And then the obvious challenge, is the fact that this is a relatively new film festival. The good news is the fact that the festival is supported financially by the Tourism Department. That makes a HUGE difference. We aren’t' struggling to raise the money to actually do the event.

How can describe the Festival’s mission?

The role or mission for the festival on the international scene is two-fold and not necessarily in this order: 1) To create an international event for the country of Thailand that encourages tourism which leads to point #2) The festival offers an awareness of the Southeast Asia film market and the business opportunities for new talent and Thai companies to develop and expose who they are and what they can do.

What is your view on the state of Thai film today, and Asian film?

My point of view of the Thai film industry, Asian films. I believe it is one of curiosity, of everyone feeling that things are starting to happen in the Southeast Asian film market. I believe that the interest is developing so strong right now that everyone is wanting to check it out, slowing wanting to participate and get involved. People are paying attention to Southeast Asian filmmaking right now and Thailand specially is certainly getting attention with this year's "Last Life in the Universe" as an example.

Addressing filmmakers?

A message that I would want to communicate to filmmakers:
aspiring to the festival circuit is to continue to get exposure for your films at film festivals.
However, get advice from people who have had the experience at specific film festivals to see if that festival is right for you. Don't risk getting lost in the shuffle.
It's better to be noticed at a smaller festival than a major festival where you are not given the time of day. Film festivals also have a responsibility to filmmakers in helping to promote and expose the filmmaker and their work.

Craig say a few words on the importance of festivals in Asia? and Bangkok in particular?

With the growing interest in films coming from Asia, it's a natural that there are reputable film festivals being created and supported.
Specially, the Thai government is actively participating in the Film Market scheduled for January 27-29, 2004 during the film festival at which time they will be discussing joint ventures on various film projects. An estimated 100+ buyers/sellers will be in attendance as the guests of the Thai government to discuss these co-ventures.

Craig Prater Executive Director
Bangkok International Film Festival
craig.prater@bangkokfilm.org

“Fest directors talking to Bruno Chatelin”