The University of the Philippines Film Institute (UPFI) hosted this year’s Muay Thai Film Festival which was organized by the Royal Thai Embassy in Manila, September 25.
The festival featured three Thai films: “The Legend of Muay Thai: 9 Satra” (2018), “Tom Yang Goong” (2005), and “Ong Bak: Thai Warrior” (2003). These films were shown to the public free of charge at the UPFI Cine Adarna.
“Thailand has been promoting Thai culture in five aspects, namely food, films, fashion, fighting, and festivals. [The] film festival highlights two of the aspects, namely film and fighting. These are blended together to provide us with a glimpse of the art and creativity of the Thai people,” Thai Ambassador to the Philippines Tull Traisorat said.
“Recently, there is an immense growth of Thai pop culture in the Philippines, especially [with] Thai dramas and films,” he said.
The Ambassador also highlighted his country’s partnership with the University. “Thailand and UP have a long-lasting friendship and cooperation for many decades in various areas including education, agriculture, and culture.”
“There have been a number of Thai graduates from UP who have later on become the executives of Thai universities, including chancellors of Kasetsart University. Also, UP has had close cooperation with universities in Thailand, including Kasetsart University, Chulalongkorn University and Silapakorn University,” he continued.
UPFI Director Assistant Professor Rob Rownd expressed his gratitude to the Thai Embassy, appreciating their initiative in bringing the festival to UP Diliman.
The festival ran for three days until September 27.