Beauty Eternal Images captured on film, Fleeting beauty stored across time. The creator's fragile form but momentary, But filmed beauty echoes eternal. Wisit Sasanatieng Chamni' Eyes Studio

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in collaboration with The Federation of National Film Associations of Thailand (FNFAT) proudly presents the 7th Bangkok International Film Festival 2009 (BIFF'09). The event will be held from 24th to 30th September 2009 at SF World Cinema, Central World and Paragon Cineplex, Siam Paragon.

More than 80 feature films selected by the Thai Film Director's Association will be shown throughout the festival. The Golden Kinnaree Award ceremony will be held at Chatrium Suites Bangkok, a Dusit Thani hotels partner.

Jareuk Kaljareuk, President of the Federation of National Film Associations of Thailand, will return as Festival Director.

The Thai Film Directors Association will once again lead the artistic direction of the festival under the Association President and well-known filmmaker Yongyoot Thongkongtoon.
Director of Programming, Pimpaka Towira and Mai Meksawan will once again put together an exciting programme of films, and have already travelled many miles and spent many hours building a fresh and exciting programme of films.

The festival, scheduled for 24th to 30th September 2009, will showcase around 80 films from across the world.

	The Main Competition - Films by first and second-time directors
	The Southeast Asian Competition - Films from the region

The final film programme will be announced on the 5th September.

The following film celebrities are scheduled to visit the Bangkok International Film Festival 2009.

	Jean-Claude Van Damme The world-famous action star will present his brand new action feature.
	Armand Assante The well-known martial artist and action icon who has become a legend in the international independent film industry.
	Byung-hun Lee The Korean star who was picked by Hollywood to star in the blockbuster of the year, "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" as leading character 'Storm Shadow. He captured Thai hearts with his role in the popular series "All In"

Last year's festival brought a major change to the administration of the Bangkok International Film Festival. For the first time, the TAT and the Federation of National Film Associations of Thailand came together to present the foremost film event in South East Asia.

A bold and exciting programme of films, informative seminars, and a plethora of local and international stars made the festival an enormous success, attracting over 15,000 attendees, and overwhelmingly positive feedback. Not only was attendance raised on previous years, but the festival managed to attract a wider range of audiences, including many who had never previously attended film events.

Audiences were given a chance to see a wide range of films from the familiar - Woody Allen — to the less familiar — for example opening our eyes to the achievements of Philippine cinema.

This year, that partnership continues. TAT is proud to continue its support for the Bangkok International Film Festival

The 2008 festival brought the chance to see the work of some brilliant documentary filmmakers, and the popularity of these films has prompted the addition of a new specific Documentary Showcase.

Further details about the venue, the programme, the seminars, celebrity attendees, events, will all be presented on the official website — www.bangkokfilm.org in future weeks, so please check back on a regular basis.

If you would like to be kept informed of the latest news, or if you have specific questions, please do not hesitate to contact: info@bangkokfilm.org

Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat, Chairman of the Tourism Authority of Thailand on the importance of the festival:

'The Bangkok International Film Festival (BIFF) is considered an important international festival which now attracts respect and support within both the domestic and international film industries. Moreover, it raises the profile of Thailand as a nation of culture, and has tangible economic benefits. One should remember that the film industry produces significant revenue to the Thai economy. The festival also attracts a tremendous number of tourists to Thailand. The TAT has worked on this festival for seven consecutive years. The festival continues with the cooperation and commitment of all participants. It 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 centre"

Mr. Jareuk Kaljareuk, the chairman of FNFAT, and the Festival Director of BIFF'09, outlined a few of the highlights of this year's event:

"The opening ceremony of BIFF'09 will be held in front of Central World. The ceremony will take on a classical theme, emphasizing the rich cultural heritage of Thailand, and the important and long-held role of film within Thai culture. The welcoming banquet will be held near the river of Thai Culture, the Chao Phraya River. The film programme 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. The programme will focus particularly on the new generation of filmmakers in the region, throughout Asia, and around the world."

Mr Jareuk sees the Bangkok International Film Festival also as an important showcase for Thailand's film industry:

"For a number of years, the Thai film industry has expanded both in its technological advances, its professional skills, and its artistic development. It is ready to take its place as a leading member of the international film-making community.

We are delighted to welcome guests to the festival both from within Thailand and from across the world. We expect that this year's festival will attract a number of celebrities, directors, and producers, who will join us to participate in the Bangkok International Film Festival. I look forward to giving more details over the coming weeks."

Contact information:
Bangkok International Film Festival
Tel: (662) 2030624, (662) 6415917
Fax: (662) 6415919
E-mail: info@bangkokfilm.org
Web site: www.bangkokfilm.org