For many years a dedicated group of people called the “Pattaya Film Academy”, under the leadership of Mr. Niels Colov, have been working to organize the Pattaya International Film Festival, an event that would no doubt change the image of the city, and bring much needed income into the area. Over a period of time, a comprehensive plan has been mapped out, and connections to film festivals, actors and filmmakers around the world have been established, so that when the festival does become a reality all the elements of a successful event are in place.
Following in the steps of all major Film Festivals, the first Pattaya International Film Festival is tentatively planned to be a 10 day spectacular event; with smaller, related events taking place throughout the year. During the main event about 100 films from around the world will be screened at all the major cinema complexes around town. As with most film festivals, 15 of those films will be in competition for 5 prestigious awards: best movie, best actor, best actress, best director and a special Jury prize for best Asian film. A team of international celebrity Judges will also present a Lifetime Achievement Award to a deserving person involved in the film industry. These awards will be presented during a gala evening at one of the grand hotels or resorts in Pattaya.
The activities during the festival will include the following: The opening Elephant Parade, the Opening Gala Dinner, Outdoor screening of a movie in Pattaya Bay, Symposium with film people having panel discussions of various aspects of the film industry, a Film Market where film rights will be sold to buyers from around the world, a Stunt Man festival, a Location Thailand exhibition to attract film companies to come here to make films, Shop Exhibition competition with shops in Pattaya competing for cash prizes for the best shop window display about the film festival, the festival will end with a grand Red Carpet and Black Tie Awards Gala event transmitted live on TV.
The financial impact for our city will be tremendous, as an example the budget of the Cannes Film Festival is about 500 million baht, but the festival generates about 15,000 million baht in economic returns which is 30 times the investment.
But most importantly the Pattaya International Film Festival will create a new positive profile for our city and make its citizens proud to be living here.
So who knows, one day soon you might be rubbing shoulders with the likes of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, together with other film stars and celebrities right here in the ever growing, innovative and exciting city of Pattaya.
For more information about the Pattaya International Film Festival please contact: info@pattayapeople.com or call 08-9911-1199 (Int.: +668-9911-1199).