Thai 'soft power' films from 1958 at the Foreign Correspondents' Club (FCCT)

In 1958, the International Performing Art Expo in Belgium requested that the Thai government send a troupe of performers to join the event. Instead, the Fine Art Department had a better idea: They asked the famous Thai filmmaker R.D. Pestonji * to make two films, 30-minute each, to promote Thailand and Thai culture, especially the performing art, and to present the “official” image of Thailand to the world.

The two films, "Diamond Finger" and "Thailand", represented the earliest visual evidence of how the Thai authorities harnessed the cinematic power – with its ability to create both illusion and reality – to shape the image of Thailand in the eyes of Western audiences.

"Diamond Finger" is an exquisite dance film featuring an episode from the Ramayana epic; while "Thailand" is a straightforward tourism promotion film shot around Bangkok and Nakhon Pathom. Both were filmed in color 35mm and narrated in English by M.R. Kukrit Pramoj, the former Prime Minister of Thailand.

Kong Rithdee **, Thai Film Archive Deputy Director and former prominent Thai film critic for the Bangkok Post and filmmaker Smithi Skunnawat will lead an informal post-film discussion.
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* R.D. Pestonji (Thai: รัตน์ เปสตันยี; RTGS: Rat Pesatanyi) was a Thai film director, producer, screenwriter and cinematographer and is regarded as the father of contemporary Thai film. Although his filmography was brief, his films placed Thai cinema on the world stage. He also pushed for innovations, and was one of the first Thai directors to use 35-mm film.

** Kong Rithdee was a prominent long-time film critic for the Bangkok Post. Last year, he authored:
"The Thai Film Archive’s Kong Rithdee on the 5 Thai films you should watch on Netflix":
https://www.lifestyleasia.com/bk/entertainment/thai-film-archive-kong-rithdee-thai-films-netflix/
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FCCT Members free, non-members 150 baht (pay at the door).
Bar and restaurant are open, and pizzas are available.
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LOCATION

Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand (FCCT)
- Penthouse (P Floor) in **rear building**
- Maneeya Center - between Central World and Central Chitlom Department Store (about 1-2 blocks from each) and across the street from the TOT Public Company building

• Connected to the BTS Skytrain Chit Lom (Chitlom) Station, Exit 2

The easiest way to get there is by the BTS Skytrain. Take the Skytrain to the Chitlom (or Chit Lom) station. While in the station, take **Exit 2** by walking in the opposite direction from the Central Chitlom Department store to the first exit on the left. The Skybridge connects to the Maneeya Center, a two-building complex.
Walk straight back to the rear of the first building. Take a down elevator to the ground floor and walk a few feet to the elevator bank **for the rear building**. In those elevators, press the "P" button for the Penthouse. If you are "lost" call 02-652-0580-1.
Validated parking is available in the building's enclosed car park after 5:00 pm.