HONG KONG – Kriangsak "Victor" Silakong has already selected some 80% of the 100-plus movies expected to play out in the upcoming Bangkok int'l Film Fest (BKKIFF). Announcement is intended to underline the 'live' status of the fest, which was previously postponed and then threatened with cancellation.

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said Thursday that fest will be held July 19-29 and that the accompanying film market, organized by the Federation of National Film Associations of Thailand, will run July 23-25.

In contrast to previous frames of the event, fest this year will be heavily skewed to screening of Asian movies. Move is a reflection of budget that has been slashed by approximately two thirds – to Bt83 million ($2.4 million) – and also criticism that fest was out of touch with local industry.

Describing the 2007 event as "streamlined," TAT chief officer Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudha, said: "This year our main focus will be to provide the movie-loving audiences of Bangkok with the films they've been waiting to see."

Silakong, who previously headed the city's other fest, the World Film Festival of Bangkok, will organize three competitive sections; for movies from South East Asia (ASEAN), int'l pics; and short films. Int'l section will include up to 20 movies, while Thailand is expected to contribute 12 to a Thai Panorama section and rest of Asia a further 50% of the 100 film total.

Responding to another past criticism, fest organizers said "many of the competition films will have Thai sub-titles."

Away from the main sections, fest is also planning special package of Greek movies, a Luis Bunuel tribute, a Japanese animation workshop and a lifetime achievement award to special effects master Ray Harryhausen.

Fest's main events will be held at the new SF multiplex at the Central World shopping mall. Market, which also receives TAT funding support, will be housed separately at the nearby Siam Paragon complex.

© Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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