From writing workshops to residencies at venues like HOF Art Space, support for emerging artists in Bangkok has grown rapidly in recent years. Now, a new collective, led in part by one of the founders of Jam Café, is looking to provide a platform for up-and-coming filmmakers.
Bangkok Underground Cinema is calling for submissions from all aspiring filmmakers: students, graduates, DIY, independent, or otherwise. The selections will be screened at Noise Market 5, the latest edition of the wildly popular indie, craft, music, and food market that returns to Museum Siam (4 Sanam Chai Rd, Tha Tien Pier) on November 21 and 22.
Submissions should be short—20 minutes or less—and can focus on any topic, even those that fall outside the empire of mainstream cinema. Artistic merit matters most in the selection process. There’s no cost to submit. The only other requirement is that Thai language entries should include English captions, and non-Thai language entries should include Thai captions.
Those interested in showing off their goods should stop by Jam Café in person, submit through a password-protected link on Vimeo, or e-mail dhyan.ho@gmail.com (English), b608b608@gmail.com (Thai), or swlfreeman@gmail.com (Overseas Entries—English). Entries must be made by October 24.
Jam has long promoted independent and underground cinema, as well as alternative forms of art. That it figures in the nascent Bangkok Underground Cinemacomes as little surprise.
In 2016, the organizers plan to launch their first film festival. Keep up-to-date at facebook.com/bangkokundergroundfilmfestival, where details will be announced.
