Free Thai cinema

The new show at REDCAT, which opens tomorrow night (Wednesday), features video installations by artist Apichatpong Weerasethakul. He's best known as the director of Mysterious Objects at Noon, Blissfully Yours, Tropical Malady, and Symptoms and a Century, and many of these films will be shown at the gallery space under the Disney Hall, as well. This is his first art show in the U.S. and his movies aren't shown on the big screen very often, so do yourself a favor and check it out. (I recommend Lavender Diamond's show on Thursday night, too.)


One more thing: a few of Weerasethakul's movies have been banned in Thailand. There's more information about the situation in his statement below, and you can help get his movies shown in his home country by clicking on the link.

Free Thai Cinema Movement Petition
Statement by Apichatpong Weerasethakul
*with Bioscope, the Thai Film Foundation, Thai Film Director’s Association, and Alliances.*

I am saddened by what has happened to my film. However, this is not the venue to try to make SYNDROMES AND A CENTURY shown in Thai theaters. It is not my intention to use this opportunity to promote my work. But, it is time to seriously think about what is going on with our censorship laws, so that the next generation of filmmakers will not face the same problems as us, and so that the Thai audiences can truly achieve a freedom of choice.

It is time we discuss whether all films, before being released, should be seen by the Buddhist council, doctors council, teachers council, labor council, the army, pet lovers group, taxi union, representatives from other foreign countries etc? Or, is it easier to turn our nation into a Fascist state so that we can live in harmony and don’t have to waste time talking about democracy?

The system of the Thai Board of Censors needs to be evaluated. Their members' relevancy and efficiency needs to be questioned, and we should decide whether the laws should be changed.

I would like to ask you to reflect on the censorship practices in our country and to provide us with advice at

http://www.petitiononline.com/nocut/petition.html

Later on, this Petition will be submitted to the Thai government. Your support will be a great contribution to our fight for one of our most basic rights - that of freedom.

I am grateful for your time and your participation. Thank you very much.

Warmest Regards,

Apichatpong Weerasethakul