It has been one of those weeks that don’t come around often in a lifetime. Living in Thailand in May of 2010 is like living in a surreal dream. A dream that has elements of fear and loathing sparked by the riot burnings of Bangkok city.. BUT then.. lifted by the exquisite euphoria of hearing about friends becoming stars of the Cannes film festival reaching the summit of ART. So it is a rare and outstanding moment – one of sadness mixed with pride, tempered by a sense of subtle joy and wonder. This mixture of feelings don’t make much sense… but didn’t I mention that it was surreal?

For me, the feelings and events have to be separated, compartmentalized, for one incident is a test of a nation, another is a breakthrough of the human spirit. Yet everything is interconnected as every Thai is connected with his or her homeland. That said, it is only fair to mourn Thailand’s troubles but at the same time celebrate her sons’ and daughters’ great achievement. Apichatpong Weerasethakul (director), Nooh Sirithnanawuddhi (assistant director), Lee Chatimetikool (film editor), Rit Kalayanamitr (sound editor), and the entire team deserve much praise for their outstanding work and achievement – a feat fully based on their own merits of unwavering vision, huge talent, and relentless determination (I have witnessed these qualities first hand). We are proud of you and so proud to be affiliated to your work, your cause and your companies. May Uncle Boonmee bring you much more success and glory… and may the art gods and ghosts bless you with boundless creativity and joy.

Cheers!
Max

Here is the trailer for Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives (Winner Palm d’Or 2010)

Credits: Produced by Kick-the-Machine and Houdini Studio