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| Thai Ambassador Vasin Ruangprateepsaeng |
In celebration of the 70th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the Philippines and Thailand, the Royal Embassy of Thailand, in cooperation with the Far Eastern University's President's Committee on Culture, presented the Philippine premiere of the documentary 2,215/2,215 เชื่อ บ้า กล้า ก้าว at the FEU Auditorium (that is also celebrating its 70th anniversary too).
Before the film was screened, Thai Ambassador Vasin Ruangprateepsaeng welcomed the audience composed by members of the diplomatic corps, FEU administrators, faculty members, scores of students, and other guests.
In recent years, Thai films have found an audience in the Philippines with commercial screenings of movies like Pee Mak Phra Khanong, Bad Genius, Brother of the Year, and the upcoming Friend Zone to name a few. A handful of Thai celebrities have also visited the country to promote their films. The Royal Thai Embassy has also presented successful film screenings during the last two editions of the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival at the Cultural Center of the Philippines that will continue for the third straight year this August.
2,215/2,215 เชื่อ บ้า กล้า ก้าว
Directed by Nottapon Boonprakob, the film showed highlights and behind the scenes footage of the 2,215 km cross country run of Athiwara “Toon” Kongmalai, front man of the popular Thai rock band Bodyslam. This heroic endeavor was undertaken by Toon to raise funds for underfunded public hospitals in Thailand.
Watching the film, I was amazed on how this epic feat moved an entire nation with even elderly women who I suspected weren't Bodyslam listeners trooping to the streets to show their full support for Toon.
The film also showed the positive influence, impact, and power of celebrity culture. A poignant moment in the movie had Toon reflecting on how alone he felt despite being on the top of his game as a rock star. And going through this run was the way for him to find himself once again. Also commendable was how he always emphasized that the real hero isn't him but all the doctors, nurses, and medical personnel who will benefit from the funds raised. It also made me remember those who have succumbed to depression despite their fame as celebrities and wondered how things could've been different had they seen this film during their lowest points.
RAd' Playlist | Bodyslam
It is inevitable that after watching 2,215, I will be interested in hearing Bodyslam's discography. I am pleasantly surprised that despite the language barrier, the songs are very hummable after a few spins and not that different from Philippine music sensibilities. So don't be surprised if you hear me singing unintteligible lyrics. This might as well encourage me to learn the Thai language.
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