Hua Hin International Film Festival 2012

The Hua Hin International Film Festival 2012 will be held on 26-29 January 2012 at InterContinental Hua Hin Resort, Major Cineplex , Vic Hua Hin, and Centennial Park.

In four days over 50 movies will represent both box office and festival hits from ASEAN, Asia, and Hollywood. A program of industry seminars will focus on inter-ASEAN co-operation. An exhibition will honor the photographic talents of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. A public event will bring the fun and excitement of the movies to all.

In the announcement of Hua Hin International Film Festival 2012, Festival Chairman Suwat Liptapanlop presented the charming of this seaside town:

“Hua Hin is a great venue for the festival. Not only is it a popular seaside resort, but it has a great history, having established itself over 100 years ago. It has always been a favourite spot of the Royal Family, and the Klai Kangwon Palace remains a Royal residence to this day. Its film history stretches back to the very birth of the Thai film industry, when a Hollywood crew chose it as a location for the film 'Miss Suwanna of Siam'.

"There are many interesting films, including Asian premieres such as '360' from the USA, films which have broken box office records such as 'KL Gangster' (Malaysia) and 'Fool for Love' (Vietnam), and award-winners such as 'Ways of The Sea' (The Philippines), as well as films such as 'Warriors of the Rainbow, ' the most expensive film ever produced in Taiwan, and the official Taiwanese selection for the Academy Awards committee."

Festival Director Sorajak Kasemsuvan, meanwhile, said, "Apart from the films that will be screened at the festival, there will be seminars bringing together leading academics and film industry professionals. A variety of interesting topics include:

--ASEAN Movies for ASEAN Community by ASEN Secretary-General Dr Surin Pitsuwan
-- Country Report by representatives of 9 countries from ASEAN presenting the current state of the film industry in their country
--Can Government Help? - with invited representatives from France and South Korea, to provide advice and assistance from the perspective of public and government support and funding. There will also be a discussion of other means of fund-raising, the potential of joint ventures and co-productions, and the important issue of copyright protection.
--The DIY Movie workshop is open to the general public, and presents a two-day opportunity to learn from the skills of Thai established directors such as Jim Sophon of “Laddaland, “ Khom Kongkiat of “Chaiya,” and S. Khom Krit of “Friends”.

He added that the closing ceremony will present an Audience Award to those films chosen by the festival audiences. Members of the film industry will have an opportunity to congratulate the winners, and to thank all visiting filmmakers for their participation.