Thai filmmakers find inspiration in HM the King's music

Thai filmmakers find inspiration in HM the King's music

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

The red carpet premiere of Kitarachanibhon, a film project initiated by Boon Rawd Brewery Co Ltd and Singha Corporation Co Ltd, will be held on May 6.

Inspired by HM the King's compositions, it comprises four short films directed by leading Thai directors.

is the latest in a series of projects executed over the past two years aimed at promoting HM the King's musical talent, including a documentary and a youth camp for musicians, culminating with the "Pro Musica Junior Concert" performance at Thewarat Sapharom Hall, Phaya Thai Palace.

Nathawan Teepsuwan, corporate communications director of Boon Rawd Brewery.

Kitarachanibhon

Nathawan Teepsuwan, corporate communications director of Boon Rawd Brewery, said the project was initiated to celebrate the King's excellence in music and composition, with an aim to promote the King's songs to the public. The films in the 130-minute project, totalling 130 minutes, also serves to inspire people to do good for society.

The King's musical compositions are well recognised and loved, not only in Thailand but around the world. In 1964, the King was honoured by the Academy for Music and the Performing Arts in Vienna, Austria, with the its 23rd honorary membership, making him the first Asian to receive the recognition.

Boon Rawd Brewery initiated the film project, in which directors Nonzee Nimibutr, Wallop Prasopphol, Parkpoom Wongpoom, and Yongyut Thongkongthun, were invited to create short films based on one of 48 royal compositions, each of which impart a message. Each film is different in style, providing a range of emotions and themes to appeal to all age groups.

For his film, Nonzee Nimibutr chose the composition, Chata Cheewit.

"When I was about 10 years old, my uncle taught me to sing. When we went out he would put me on the table to sing and we would get a free meal. It was all in fun, but the song stayed with me."

He wove the song into a feel-good film about the value of senior citizens, starring veteran actresses Neeranuch Pattamasut and Vasana Chalakorn.

Neeranuch plays Grandma Ngern, a poor woman whose beautiful voice could earn her the much-needed cash to pay for her sick granddaughter's medical treatment.

Vasana plays Grandma Pao, who creates opportunities for Ngern to shine. The title song was performed by Thanida "Da Endorphin" Thamwimon.

Director Wallop Prasopphol chose the song Yim Su for his film Om Yim, a love story about a young schoolboy who has a crush on the popular girl.

"The song is very positive and looks at the world with beauty and dignity. Everyone has obstacles to overcome, especially teenagers. The concept was so clear to me; it took me three days to complete the script," said Wallop. 

The royal composition Yim Su has taken a new twist that will appeal to a younger crowd in the pop-rock style of Getsunova. 

The third film, It Rains At Huay Kha Khaeng, is directed by Parkpoom Wongpoom, who was inspired by the song Sai Fon. The film is a powerful biopic about the life and struggles of conservationist Sueb Nakasatien (played by actor Nopachai Jayanama), who eventually took his own life in despair after years of fighting to conserve and protect wildlife at Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary.

According to Parkpoom, the song — the title track which is sung by Anchalee Jongkadeekij — immediately brought to his mind the story of Sueb Nakasatien who lived his life according to the King's principles — to devote yourself to others. "I want people to learn about him, and his legacy," he said.

Dao, directed by Yongyut Thongkongthun, was inspired by the song Kwarm Fun Un Soong Sood (The Highest Dream), sung in the film by Saharat Sangkapricha and Koranis Laosubinprasert.

"The song presents lofty ideals of great magnitude, related to national pride and patriotism, but I wanted to bring to it a more down-to-Earth context with everyday subject matter."

The film follows a young upcountry schoolboy whose dream to make something of himself and please his father by being the one to raise the flag at school. His rival is the school jock, who wants to raise the flag so he can impress a girl.

After the premiere, the film will be presented for public viewing free of charge at 10 branches of Major Cineplex — Major Cineplex Pinklao, Rangsit, Ratchayothin, Chon Buri, and Central Festival Chiang Mai, EGV Khon Kaen and Korat, Paragon Cineplex, Mega Cineplex and Hat Yai Cineplex. There is one show on May 7-8, at 7.30pm, and four shows on May 9-10, at 11am, 2pm, 4pm, 5pm and 8pm.

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