Event Name: The Hua Hin International Film Festival 2012
Date: January 26 - 29, 2012
Venue: InterContinental Hua Hin Resort, Major Cineplex, Vic Hua Hin and Centennial Park

The National Federation of Thai Film Associations in conjunction with Hua Hin Municipality, Prachuap Khiri Khan province and The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced The Hua Hin International Film Festival 2012 which will be held on January 26-29, 2012 at InterContinental Hua Hin Resort, Major Cineplex, Vic Hua Hin and Centennial Park. In four days over 50 movies will represent both box office and festival hits from ASEAN, Asia, and Hollywood. A programme of industry seminars will focus on inter-ASEAN co-operation
An exhibition will honour the photographic talents of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. A public event will bring the fun and excitement of the movies to all at Centennial Park.
In the announcement of Hua Hin International Film Festival 2012
(December 21, 2011) Mr Suwat Liptapanlop, Festival Chairman presented the aims of the festival:

“Hua Hin is a great venue for the festival. Not only is it a popular seaside resort, but it has a great history, having established itself over 100 years ago. It has always been a favourite spot of the Royal Family, and the Klai Kangwon Palace remains a Royal residence to this day. Its film history stretches back to the very birth of the Thai film industry, when a Hollywood crew chose it as a location for the film 'Miss Suwanna of Siam'.

“To recognize the importance of the town, The National Federation of Thai Film Associations has partnered with the Hua Hin Municipality and The Tourism Authority of Thailand to present The Hua Hin International Film Festival 2012 from January 26-29, 2012.

The festival will also present an opportunity to welcome distinguished international guests, including many film directors and stars. A special event celebrating the contributions of Korean cinema will feature a number of famous Korean stars including the pop idol, Se7ven, Lee Da Hae from 'My Girl' and the stars of 'Always', So Ji Sub and Han Hyu Joo.

The charming seaside town of Hua Hin will offer all guests a taste of true Thai hospitality.

"The Hua Hin International Film Festival will help to put ASEAN cinema on the world stage, and to present the many attractions of Thailand, and therefore assist the economic development of the Thai film industry. It will also attract tourists to the area. Thus the festival will benefit both industry and tourism."

"The festival will have the support of the InterContinental Hua Hin Resort as the official festival venue, and the opening ceremony will capture the atmosphere of the seaside town, complete with replicas of the town's monuments and attractions.
Over fifty films have been selected to represent those films that have captured the imagination of their respective countries as 'Box Office Hits', or as films which have brought the cultures of their homelands to the attention of the world through film festivals and awards. The Major Cineplex Hua Hin will be the host cinema.

"There are many interesting films, including Asian premieres such as '360' from the USA, films which have broken box office records such as 'KL Gangster' (Malaysia) and 'Fool for Love' (Vietnam), and award-winners such as “Ways of The Sea” (Philippines), as well as films such as 'Warriors of the Rainbow', the most expensive film ever produced in Taiwan, and the official Taiwanese selection for the Academy Awards committee.".


"In celebration of the popularity of Korean cinema in Thailand, we present “Always” the Opening Film of the Busan International Film Festival 2011. We will also bring together films from across the ASEAN region."

Dr Sorajak Kasemsuvan, The Festival Director says that "Apart from the films that will be screened at the festival, there will be seminars bringing together leading academics and film industry professionals. There will be a variety of interesting topics such as:

- ASEAN Movies for ASEAN Community by Dr Surin Pitsuwan
- Country Report by representatives of 9 countries from ASEAN presenting the current state of the film industry in their country
- Can Government Help? - with invited representatives from the EU, CNC KOFIC France and South Korea, to provide advice and assistance from the perspective of public and government support and funding. There will also be a discussion of other means of fund-raising, the potential of joint ventures and co-productions, and the important issue of copyright protection.
-The DIY Movie workshop is open to the general public, and presents a two-day opportunity to learn from the skills of established directors such as Jim Sophon of “Laddaland “, Khom Kongkiat of “Chaiya”, and S. Khom Krit of “Friends”

The festival will bring entertainment to all. Whether a Hua Hin resident, from other regions of Thailand, or visitors from other countries: all are welcome to join the festival atmosphere at Centennial Park, offering four evenings of activities between 5 and 11 pm. The activities include the screening of period films from top celebrities and all time classics starring such artists as Mitr Chaibansha, Petchara Chaovarat, Sombat Metanee, Aranya Namwong. Watch the live “talk show” series, or listen to bands presenting classic music from the 60s and 70s, such as The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Bee Gees, Cliff Richard, Tom Jones, etc.
"On the auspicious occasion of the 84th birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, we are also proud to present an exhibition of His Majesty's photographs at the InterContinental Hua Hin Resort. These photographs capture the town of Hua Hin during his frequent stays, celebrating not only his creativity, but also his many contributions to the people of Hua Hin and Thailand."
"The closing ceremony will present an Audience Award to those films chosen by the festival audiences. Members of the film industry will have an opportunity to congratulate the winners, and to thank all visiting filmmakers for their participation."

Official Website: http://www.huahinfilmfest.com

More information: http://www.tatnews.org/