Bangkok fest embraces homegrown cinema

August 17, 2009 "The film program will reflect and display the growing strength of filmmakers in the ASEAN region, the role of film in rapidly changing societies, and the technological developments that have made this possible," said Jareuk Kaljareuk, chairman of the Federation of National Film Associations of Thailand and festival director. Kaljareuk said the lineup would include more than 80 films, but at a news conference in Bangkok on Monday he did not name any. "(The festival) is a great opportunity to promote the Thai film industry and also promote Thailand not only as the entertainment hub of the region, but as an increasingly important international filmmaking center," Tourism Authority chairman Weerasak Kowsurat said.

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