Ryan Gosling is expected to attend the first ever Hua Hin Film Festival, starting today Jan. 26 and running until Jan. 29.
Gosling, who is shooting muay thai movie Only God Forgives in Bangkok, is supposed to show up some time at the event, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
That’s in addition to star Michelle Yeoh and director Luc Besson, who will present their Aung San Suu Kyi biopic The Lady as the finale of the fest.
It’s quite a feat for the first time fest, and it means good things for Thailand’s film and tourism industry.
Festival director Jareuk Kaljareuk talked to The Hollywood Reporter about future goals for the event.
“There are many ways we can expand the scope of the festival, and a film market is certainly one option,” said Jareuk. “While there is no film market, we certainly recognize the value of a film festival in supporting the local film industry. Our aim is for Thailand to become the film hub of the ASEAN (Association Of South East Asian Nations) region, and to combine the strengths of the member nations to create a strong, united film community.”
On Jan. 28 a seminar at the festival called “The Way Ahead” will promote local filmmaking with tips on filmmaker support, international co-production and copyright protection, the seminar will detail the support MPA gives to local filmmakers to complete their projects.
Films will be shown on four screens at the Major Cineplex in Hua Hin and an open-air theater at Centennial Park. There will also be an audience award for best film and score cards for viewers will be distributed at each screening.
Tickets are also being sold at the reduced price of THB60 to promote attendance.
For Coconuts Bangkok’s feature on the impact of foreign films shooting in Thailand, click here.
