Bangkok Post: The world windows to Thailand

After the somewhat subdued 2008, we have good reasons to hope that 2009 would be a stimulating year for Thai cinema. Depending on your sanity and zest, the line-up could either make you slobber like a mastiff, or simply cross your fingers hoping that these promising titles would do justice to their buzz (or that they would actually arrive at the theatres in the next 12 months).

Below I've included both studio and independent movies - the latter, as usual, will have to face the age-old difficulty of trying to secure a theatrical release. Lido and House have been generous, but the lack of a free-standing venue where small movies can feel at home continues to be an itch (the new Bangkok Art and Culture Centre has proved potent, to an extent so far). Thus it'd a shame if a worthy film like, say, Urupong Raksasat's Agrarian Utopia (see below) should be deprived of the opportunity to be screened to the public.

Of course it's impossible to list every upcoming title; here I try to give you a mix of blockbusters and smaller, more personal projects, mainstream and indie - and to keep up the feeling that all is still not lost on the future of our local film scene.

The Legend of King Naresuan 3, by MC Chatreechalerm Yukol (May)

The original schedule for the third installment of the King Naresuan franchise was - still remember? - December 2007. Anyway, the story will pick up from the ending of the second episode, and the long-awaited yutthahatti, the elephant battle, between the 16th century king and his foe, the Burmese Maha Uparaja will finally take place on screen.

Nang Mai (Nymph), by Pen-ek Ratanaruang (mid-year)

Pen-ek Ratanaruang's new movie (the director is shooting right now in Khao Yai) tells the story of a distraught wife whose husband has been abducted by a wood nymph after they took a trip into the jungle.

Kwamjam San Tae Rak Chan Yao (Best in Time), by Yongyooth Thongkongtoon (March)

A love story by the director of Iron Ladies and Metrosexual centres on a young vet who meets his first love again years later. She's just divorced and doesn't seem to remember him at all.

Jao Nok Krajok (Mundane History) by Anocha Suwichakornpong (hopefully mid-year)

Originally the project by this independent filmmaker was known as The Sparrow (the Thai title means just that). While the English name is new, the story remains an acute drama about a wheelchair-bound man and his male nurse. The film is currently being edited, though a release plan is still unclear.

Dear Galileo, by Nithiwat Tharatorn (July)

No, this is not a sci-fi movie, but a love story about two female Thai backpackers in Europe. The movie has been shot on location in several European cities, including, of course, Pisa, where the famous scientist dropped those metal balls from the leaning tower.

Nak Prok (Shadow of Naga), by Pawat Panagkasiri (hopefully mid-year)

This potentially controversial action film is about three robbers who hide their loot in a temple and are forced to disguise themselves as monks in order to retrieve it. The film was premiered at Toronto Intl Film Festival last year, but the producers are reluctant to release it locally, possibly because of the anxiety over its delicate subject matter.

5 Praeng, an ensemble by five directors (fourth quarter)

Last year there was 4 Praeng, an ensemble of four horror short films. This is the sequel, now with five episodes. Oh well...

Ong-Bak 3, by Panom "Jaa" Yeerum (December)

No need for synopsis or introduction. After the cliffhanging ending of Ong-Bak 2, the collective wish of all audiences is that Tony Jaa would get it over and done with real quickly. Really, December seems way too long.

Agrarian Utopia, by Uruphong Raksasat (hopefully mid-year)

The unofficial Thai title is Sawan Baan Na, and this docu-drama follows the lives of two farming families in the North to reveal pastoral bliss and the enduring tragedy of Thai farmers - no matter who the prime minister is.

Khan Kluay 2, by Kompin Kemgumnird (mid-year)

After two years in the making, the sequel of the hit Thai animation Khan Kluay is receiving finishing touches. Khan Kluay the plucky elephant will be back with his girl, Chabakaew, and their adventure will revolve around ancient patriotic battles (again).

Slice, by Kongkiat Khomsiri (fourth quarter)

This thriller/detective drama was written by Wisit Sasanatieng for Kongkiat Khomsiri (the two collaborated on The Unseeable) to direct. The story involves a series of gruesome murders of male victims, the subsequent investigation by an ex-hitman, and a suspect who's the son of a powerful politician. Shooting begins soon.

Boonchoo 10, by Bandit Rittakol (third quarter)

Another sequel of the beloved comedy Boonchoo, whose shelf life was vastly extended after Boonchoo 9 was a surprise hit last year.

Polamuang Juling (Citizen Juling), by Ing K, Manit Sriwanichpoom, Kraisak Choonhavan (some time this year, hopefully)

The filmmakers told me last month that they will try to secure a limited release of this documentary about the Southern unrest and the murder of Juling Pongkanmool. With the new political climate, hopefully the path has become less thorny for them.

Insee Daeng (Red Eagle), by Wisit Sasanatieng (hopefully late in the year)

Wisit Sasanatieng's plan to remake the ultimate Thai superhero movie, Red Eagle, has been circulated for two years, and again, there's a possibility that shooting will commence some time in 2009, with Ananda Everingham as the Red Eagle.