One Bangkok, a new global lifestyle destination in the heart of Bangkok, proudly supports the seventh edition of the Bangkok Experimental Film Festival (BEFF7). Returning after a 12-year hiatus, BEFF7, themed “Nowhere Somewhere,” represents a significant milestone for Thai cinema and art in challenging conventional boundaries and fostering a world-class art and culture community in Thailand. The festival is being held from 25 January to 2 February 2025 at the One Bangkok Forum.

Worawat Srisa-an, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of One Bangkok, said, “One Bangkok is a place for everyone, offering new experiences across varied aspects of life. We're committed to creating a space for exchanging thoughts and expressing ideas on art and culture, inspiring people and driving society forward. Our major sponsorship of the BEFF7 perfectly aligns with One Bangkok's philosophy of fostering creativity and establishing Bangkok as a global hub for art and culture.”

Charintip Choomuenwai, Head of Art & Culture and Head of Strategic Branding & Creative Solutions of One Bangkok, added, “BEFF is a vital platform for experimental film art—connecting filmmakers, artists, musicians, performers, and audiences through dialogue to expand creative boundaries and challenge traditional formats by the blending of art and film. It is internationally recognised for supporting and promoting Thai artists in countries such as the USA, Sweden, Singapore, and Australia. BEFF's objectives resonate with One Bangkok's commitment to creating an 'Inspiring Urban Canvas'—a space for art and culture where everyone can contribute, add colour, and inspire one another endlessly.”

Exploring the theme "Nowhere Somewhere," BEFF7 invites viewers to delve into space, identity, and the fluidity of existence. The festival showcases films and installations that blur reality and imagination, along with experimental music, live performances, workshops, and seminars led by professional artists, directors, and actors. Highlights include:

• Film Screenings: A selection of over 129 experimental films from around the world, presented in 29 programmes curated by Mary Pansanga with guest curators May Adadol Ingawanij, Julian Ross, David Teh, the Kaddukkas Collective (Anuj Malhotra, Ketan Dua, and Mahesh S), and George Clark. The program features emerging and legendary filmmakers, plus special programs from the Thai Film Archive (Public Organisation) and past BEFF highlights.

   

• Art Installations: COSMORAMA on the 3rd floor features new installations created specifically for BEFF7 by five invited artists; and on the 2nd floor, DISSOLVING ROOM by three artists, along with Leave Us to Complete the Films and Unmasked (Bootleg). 

   

• A Conversation with the Sun (VR): A masterpiece by Apichatpong Weerasethakul that combines VR technology, performance, and animation with a soundtrack by Ryuichi Sakamoto. Embark on a journey into a surreal world, exploring the relationship between memory, light, and the cycle of life.

   

• Experimental Live Performances: Five theatrical performances directed by Thai film directors and artists, including (The Perfetti Method) by Siwaroj Khongsakul, (The Velvet Kingdom) by Puangsroi Aksornswang, (Echoes of the Beating Drum) by Nattapol Boonprakob, Work In Progress by Kru Rom team led by Romchat Thannalappiphat, and The Process of Moving Someone or Something From One Place to Another by Nopphan Boonyai and Tangmo Ladapha. These performances explore the themes of space and evolving identities while breaking free from traditional constraints, allowing the audience to become an integral part of the experience.  

   

• Night of the Dry Flowers Live Music Performance: Experimental music performance curated by SO::ON Dry Flower, led by world-renowned artists Okkyung Lee and Wukir Suryadi, along with Thai and international artists, presenting a creative blend of music, film, and stage design. 

   

• Workshops and Seminars: Hands-on learning and an exchange of experiences with industry experts, including an experimental filmmaking workshop in 16mm format by Rolling Wild, a foley workshop by Anon Nongyao, and the seminar "Why (Not) Cinema?" by Apichatpong Weerasethakul and Sompot Chidgasornpongse. Also featured is the discussion "An Encounter: The Last Thing You Saw That Felt Like a Movie" with Apichatpong Weerasethakul and Tilda Swinton. 

   

Join BEFF7 and open the doors of Thai film and art to a boundless world at One Bangkok Forum from 25 January to 2 February 2025. For more information, visit beffth.com.