Songs, films, pictures of civic life sought

Anchalee Kongrut

A group of young media-savvy activists, ``GIG Bangkok'', has launched a Krungthep Uncovered project featuring short films, music and photography contests to raise concern among youngsters about city problems.

Bank Ngamarunchot, the group's spokesperson, said the group wanted to get fun-loving youngsters interested in serious topics such as social problems and politics, as part of an effort to promote public partication among young voters.

The group has invited youngsters aged 15-25 to submit short films, songs or photographs about Bangkok.

``Young people nowadays cannot tolerate listening to serious content in political talk shows or seminars. We are certain short films, music and photographs are a better way to reach younger audiences,'' said Mr Bank, freshman at Chulalongkorn University's economics faculty.

That is the reason the group chose the School for the Blind as its venue for the project launch.

``Serious social issues will be put into a form that kids can digest,'' he said.

The competition is part of Big Bang Bangkok, a forum aimed at gathering public opinion on city development.

Feedback from the forum, to take place on July 17 at the Royal Navy Hall, will be sent to all Bangkok governor candidates.

Chaiwat Thirapuntu, head of Bangkok Forum, initiated the Big Bang project, which would serve as a ``learning lab for people democracy'' for Bangkok residents. He expected 1,000 people would take part. This includes representatives of expatriates who want to have a say in how the city is developed.

Mr Chaiwat said the forum is open to all.

``Anyone who cares for Bangkok could give an idea how to turn the city into a better place,'' he said, adding the forum was inspired by civil society movements in Western countries where residents hold meetings to discuss urban problems and the city development policy.

Poet Nauvarat Pongpaiboon would be invited to compose poetry reflecting opinions of people taking part.

Call Krungthep Uncovered and Big Bang Bangkok on (02) 228-1362, (06) 627-1541, or visit www.big-bangkok.com for more information.