Finding alternative, independent films amidst mainstream Hollywood blockbusters in Thai cinemas can often feel like finding a needle in a haystack. The selection is small. Screening times, often at odd hours, are limited. And those living outside of Bangkok -- far away from the arthouse spots like Lido and House RCA -- can't help but wonder: "Don't I have anything else to watch but Sully, Don't Breathe and Shin Godzilla this week?".
Of course, we can opt for GDH559's Fan Day one more time, or we can try something different. Starting from today until next month, four alternative "small" films will grace our local cinemas under The Little Big Films Project 11 by Sahamongkol Film. This mini film fest is back after a decade-long hiatus. Under the theme "#heart", the project offers four films from four different countries that thrive on the strength of the human heart.
The Little Big Films Project 11 starts today. Films are showing at House RCA, Lido, Paragon Cineplex, SF World Cinema and Esplanade Ratchada.
Synopsis of the four films
Umi Yori Mo Mada Fukaku (After The Storm), Sept 15
Ever the expert at portraying family drama on the big screen, Japanese director Hirokazu Koreeda (Our Little Sister and Like Father, Like Son) is back with After The Storm. Ryota (Hiroshi Abe) is a father struggling to get back into the good books of his family: his mother, ex-wife and son. A stormy night then gives them a chance to bond with one another again. The film debuted to critical acclaim at this year's Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard category.
About Ray, Sept 29
Ditching her Disney princess gown, Elle Fanning (last seen in the drama thriller The Neon Demon) morphs into Ray -- a transgender teen in the process of getting his gender-confirmation surgery. To do that, however, he must seek parental consent from his estranged father. Naomi Watts and Susan Saradon star as Ray's mother and grandmother. Gaby Dellal is director.
Under The Shadow, Oct 13
This horror set in 1980s war-torn Iran is bound to raise the hair on your scalp. After a missile hits her apartment but doesn't explode, Shideh begins to experience strange supernatural forces within her building. Her husband is away at war, and Shideh is left at home with her daughter, Dorsa, whose behaviour becomes erratic after the missile incident. The film, written and directed by Babak Anvari in his directorial debut, was released earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival to rave reviews.
From The Land Of The Moon, Oct 27
Oscar winner Marion Cotillard stars as Gabrielle, a small-town woman who becomes a farmer's wife after an arranged marriage by her parents. Years later, she goes to a spa for health recovery. It's there that she meets and falls in love with a war veteran. Set at the end of World War II, the French film is adapted from a novella of the same name by Sardinian author Milena Agus. From The Land Of The Moon, directed by French director and actress Nicole Garcia, was nominated for the Palme d'Or at Cannes earlier this year.
About Ray. photo:
