A Thai independent film Dao Khanong (By the Time It Gets Dark) won Best Picture at the 26th Subannahongsa Awards on Sunday night, a surprise victory for a title that had only limited release and largely unseen by multiplex goers.
The film also won Best Director for Anocha Suwichakornpong, becoming the first female filmmaker to be honoured with the industry's top prize, and Best Editing for Lee Chatamethikool and Machima Ungsriwong.
By the Time It Gets Dark is a rich puzzle that touches on the protest of Oct 6, 1976, the meaning of storytelling, and the illusion of cinema and memory. The narrative is about a filmmaker, likely a stand-in for the director, trying to making a historical documentary before the story reveals hidden layers inside.
In her speech, Anocha thanked her crew, her family, and said the freedom to think and to act are the foundation that allowed her to make the film.
The Subannahongsa win can be interpreted as a courageous decision by the voters – several hundred professionals in the film industry – who favoured the ruminative ar-thouse film over more commercial fares. Sometimes dubbed “The Thai Oscars”, the Subannahongsa Awards in the past used the jury system before switching to online ballots three years ago.
Other awards are spread out among studio and non-studio films. The two lead actors from the romantic comedy hit Fan Day snatched both acting prizes: the competitive Best Actress category saw newcomer Nitha Jurayanyueng winning, while Chantavich Thanasewee won Best Actor. The film made over 100 million baht at the box office and cemented the reputation of GDH 559 as a reliable hit-maker.
Another big winner on Sunday night was the action film Khun Pun, a story of black magic rivalry between a cop and a bandit in Yala. Krisda Sukosol Clapp won Best Supporting Actor prize for playing a ruthless villain. Khun Pun also won Best Visual Effects, Best Make Up Effects and Best Costume Design.
The Best Supporting Actress prize goes to veteran Penpak Sirikil from her role as a lovesick housewife in A Gas Station, another independent production. Tanwarin Sukkhapisit also won Best Screenplay from the film.
Another independent film Tudongkhawat (Wandering), about a man who finds solace in monkhood, won Best Cinematography for Uruphong Raksasat, who have won the same award twice before.
