This year 2023 is considered a golden year for the Thai film industry. When there are many Thai movies that earn more than a hundred million baht, whether it is “The Undertaker” with an income of over 700 million baht or “Tee Yod” with an income of over 400 million baht.
This makes this year the first year that Thai films made more money than foreign films. With a share exceeding 50% for the first time, this is a very good opportunity to pass on this success abroad. and pushing Thai films in the soft power dimension
Recently, an important event for the world film industry took place in Thailand, namely CineAsia 2023, an event with film studios, stars, directors, and film business entrepreneurs from around the world. More than 1,300 people gathered in Thailand from 30 countries.
This is CineAsia 2023, held on December 4-7 at the Icon Cineconic Theater and True Icon Hall, with “Major Cineplex Group” ” is the main organizer of this event.
The Thumbsup team had the opportunity to have a special interview with Mr. Ice Narut Jiansanong, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Marketing Department, Major Cineplex Group, about his origins in investing in pushing the Thai film industry. and soft power this time
Mr. Narut Jiansanong – Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Marketing Department, Major Cineplex Group
What is CineAsia?
Mr. Narut revealed that CineAsia is a B2B event, meaning it is a job for entrepreneurs. business owner that are related to movies, meet each other, such as
– Owner of Hollywood studios such as Disney, Warner Bros, Universal, Lionsgate and more.
– Movie owners from all over Asia
– Filmmaker
– Owner of various technologies such as projectors, sound systems, and even popcorn machines.
Those who attended the event You will see the full line-up of all movies in 2024, in addition to negotiations to buy movies to show. They also plan marketing together. Talk about technology various innovations together
It is said to be an event that drives the movie industry in Asia and around the world.
Major wants to help push the film industry in Thailand. Including Soft Power, so CineAsia has been brought to Thailand. This year is the 2nd year and will be held next year for the 3rd year in a row.
Opportunity at Major See Thai movies and soft power
An interesting trend That is during Covid. You will find that movies that come from within the country have grown a lot. Due to various obstacles in filming There are fewer foreign films.
In fact, I must say that in Thailand there is already a lot of local content that is strong. For example, Sapporor or Thee Yod are considered examples of the success of Thai films this year.
Many people don't know that more than 20 Thai films have had the opportunity to go abroad. CineAsia will help Thai films have more opportunities in the world market. We want people in the movie business to not just come and see good Thai movies. But also to see Thailand, Thai culture, see filming locations. which will be many opportunities in the future
For example, this year we screened “Thee Yod” in the IMAX theater to give attendees the opportunity to see more of the potential of Thai films. I believe that we will see more Thai films shown abroad after this.
Highlights of CineAsia 2023 this time in Thailand
Mr. Narut revealed that this year's CineAsia event has approximately 1,500 attendees, more than last year's 1,000 attendees, which is considered very high growth.
Including this year, there are more than 50 participating films from every camp. Each camp will have many great punches, such as special movie trailers. or various backgrounds Never-before-seen footage Let's give movie theater owners confidence.
Another interesting thing is This year we have more local movies from different countries, such as Japanese, Korean, Indian movies, which are countries that have very strong local movies.
Major has also shown more movies from these countries to create diversity. Including more Thai movies being shown in these countries as well.
Ready to push Thai soft power to the world
Of course, at CineAsia we have the opportunity to welcome producers, directors, creators who come with studio owners all over the world, which is a great advantage. that we can present beautiful locations Including Thai culture.
This part is very important, such as the movie Lost in Thailand, which created a phenomenon in which many Chinese people came to travel to Thailand, or the movie The Creator, a giant blockbuster movie from Hollywood. Filmed in Chanthaburi, Thailand
Major believes that the CineAsia event will help push Thai soft power. To the eyes of the world for sure
Major and pushing the Thai film industry and give importance to ESG
Major has always given importance to reducing the use of plastic. Whether it's popcorn buckets, drinking glasses, or various packages. Major has recycled those plastics.
Until it became a polo shirt for Major's employees. Made from plastic bottles. One shirt is made from 12 plastic bottles.
Or a very good example is the movie screen. That normally needs to be changed every 10 years, so we cut those canvases into bags instead. Recently, a second version has been made, which is a fun idea. And help reduce waste generated from movie theaters to a minimum as well.
Including social matters, we have Major Care that gives opportunities to the underprivileged. Elderly adults and children from underprivileged provinces come to see movies for free. There is a program to pick them up at school. Then we brought it to movie theaters in all 77 provinces because we believe that entertainment is close to us. and create knowledge about movies for students.
In the Thai movie section This year marks the first year that Thai films have a market share of more than 50%, which is very good news. Next year, Major plans to produce more than 20 Thai films.
which in addition to pushing the Thai film industry It is also an opportunity for Thai films to go abroad.
Another story is from this year's trend. We can see that people are beginning to return to watching movies in theaters as normal. We want everyone to feel that movie theater is entertainment that is not too expensive.
There are more than 100 branches in Major's provinces and the starting ticket price is 69 baht, the student price. and adults are priced at 99 baht, which is an affordable price. This is a very important part. in pushing Thai films
It can be seen that with the vision of the executives It's not just about doing movie business in Thailand. But look forward to pushing Thai soft power into the world through the CineAsia event this time.
I believe this will be a good opportunity for Thailand. and the Thai film industry in a big way Including Major has announced that CineAsia 2024 will definitely return to be held at Icon Cineconic Theater and True Icon Hall again next year.
