Group photo: Director General of Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand Busadee Santipitaks (2nd, L), Consul General of Thailand in Shanghai Parichat Luepaiboolphan (2nd, R) and Thai actress Mew (Centre)

The Thai Film Week 2017 kicked off in Shanghai on the night of June 18 at the AMG Aurora International Cinema Global Harbor store, where Thai directors Kriangkrai Vachiratamporn, Bin Banloerit and Chartchai Ketnust as well as Thai actors Mew Nittha and Buakaw Banchamek attended the opening ceremony and met Chinese fans.

It is the 7th year that Thailand has joined in the Shanghai International Film Festival and has held the Thai Film Week.

The opening ceremony of the Thai Film Week in Shanghai 2017

This year, the Royal Thai Consulate General in Shanghai will showcase 8 selected Thai films of different genres in 27 showings.

The opening film A Gift tells 3 different stories of 3 pairs of guys and girls in three parts. The inspiration comes from the 3 songs created by the late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej. This film is dedicated to the King as an end-of-year gift to all the people of Thailand.

Thai actress Mew

A rising Thai actress Mew plays one of the heroines. She especially learned how to play the piano for the role although there was only one song in the movie before filming began. Mew practiced it for 2 months since she had no foundation in piano playing, said the actress at the event. One of the three directors, Kriangkrai Vachiratamporn attended the event.

The latest historical action blockbuster Legend of the Broken Sword Hero directed by Bin Bunluerit tells the story of the journey of a loyal, brave and talented fighter with unparalleled skills of Muay Thai and sword fighting. The film stars a world-renowned Muay Thai superstar Buakaw Banchamek in his first leading role.

Group photo: Director Bin Bunluerit (2nd, L) and Muay Thai superstar and actor Buakaw Banchamek (2nd, R)

From Bangkok to Mandalay is the first Thai movie that was shot in Myanmar. Burma stars Sai Sai Kham Leng, Nay Toe and Sai Sai Kham Leng were invited to star or play roles. The film ranked first in the national box office in Myanmar, said the director Chartchai Ketnust at the event.

The other 5 Thai films screened during the 10-day Thai Film Week are Monkey Twins, Mr. Hurt, One Day, Suddenly Twenty and The Lose Case.