A movie about pad Thai, one of the country's best-known dishes, will be screened at an international film festival as the government works to sharpen the country's soft power and increase its competitive edge.
Culture Minister Itthiphol Kunplome said on Thursday that Pad Thai: The Secret Recipe will be entered into the Montanosa Film Festival (MFF) 2022 at Baguio Creative City in the Philippines from March 19 to 22. There will be three screenings of it at the festival.
Mr Ittiphol said the ministry has prioritised the implementation of a bio-, circular and green (BCG) economy which has a strong role to play in promoting the country's soft power and can be an important driver of revenue and boost Thailand's image.
He said soft power can be harnessed from the "5Fs" of culture-based commodities -- food, film, fashion, fighting (Thai boxing) and festivals.
The ministry has joined with Chulalongkorn University in nominating the 48-minute movie for the MFF. It was selected for its subject matter to heighten Thailand's cultural and tourism appeal.
The nomination was financed by a budget from the university and the Thai Media Fund.
Made last year, the film was directed by Cherdpong Laoyon and stars Ploypailin Tangprapaporn, Janya Thanasawangkul, Nanthawan Mekyai and Dan Buriram.
Teaser of Pad Thai: The Secret Recipe (Video: VIPA's YouTube page)
