The Thai Film Industry Kickstarts the AFM 2014 in Style with a Pre-market Gala Night Presided over by the Princess of Thailand

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Nov. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi was in Santa Monica to preside over Thai Night 2014, a pre-American Film Market gala event attended by film professionals from Thailand and Hollywood.

Organized by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) of the Thai Ministry of Commerce, the initiative organized on the eve of the American Film Market was aimed at promoting the Thai film industry in the U.S., and fostering greater creative and business ties between the two countries.

In 2013, a record 67 international motion pictures were filmed in Thailand, a 26% increase from the year before. Recent highlights include Cannes 2013 official competition's Only God Forgives starring Ryan Gosling and Kristin Scott Thomas, The Railway Man starring Colin Firth and Nicole Kidman, and the upcoming The Coup, an action film starring Owen Wilson, Pierce Brosnan and Lake Well.

Thailand's appeal is based on a unique combination of factors which makes the country extremely production-friendly : skilled and experienced crews, state-of-the-art filming and post-production facilities as well as gorgeous locations and world-class hospitality.

In her introductory speech, Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi stated that "the Thai film professionals understand the value of creating long-lasting bonds, and this inclination is reflected in the Thai film industry's established tradition of collaborating within and outside of its borders".

Mrs. Nuntawan Sakuntanaga, Director-General of the Department of International Trade Promotion of Ministry of Commerce, added that "Thai film companies are entering into major international partnerships and co-productions, and foreign producers are now choosing to relocate their activities in Thailand, taking advantage of a remarkable production environment".

During the event's industry panel, Tom Nunan, Partner at Bull's Eye Entertainment and producer of the Academy Award winning film Crash (Best Picture, 2006), noted that, as far as entertainment is concerned, Thailand is the rising force in Southeast Asia.

For more information about the Thai film industry or filming in Thailand, visit the Thai pavilion at the American Film Market: Atrium 5C, 5th Floor Beach End or email [email protected].

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141107/157261

SOURCE Department of International Trade Promotion, The Ministry of Commerce of the Kingdom of Thailand