Thai activist-turned-filmmaker takes home top award

Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal, best known for taking on the Thai establishment as a student activist, has swapped protest placards for a camera, earning him a prestigious film accolade. His co-produced documentary, The Last Breath of Sam Yan, claimed Best Documentary Film at the 2023 Suphannahong Awards, bringing attention to an ongoing battle over Bangkok’s cultural heritage.

The documentary, directed by Prempapat Plittapolkranpim, chronicles a dramatic campaign by students and locals to save a century-old Chinese shrine from being bulldozed to make way for a condominium project.

The Chinese sea goddess Mazu has drawn worshippers, particularly students, seeking spiritual aid since the shrine’s founding in the late 19th century.

In 2020, Chulalongkorn University’s property management (PMCU) demanded the shrine’s demolition, prompting its caretakers to refuse, spurring a viral online movement to preserve it. PMCU sued the family for 4.6 billion baht in damages, and in 2023, a court ruled in favour of the demolition. The shrine’s fate remains uncertain as the appeal proceeds.

Released in Thai theatres and on Netflix, The Last Breath of Sam Yan has ignited discussions about local heritage versus urban development. Netiwit urged university officials to stop their destruction of local community culture, echoing the documentary’s message.

Netiwit, a longtime activist, rose to prominence in 2012 when he co-founded the Thailand Education Revolution Alliance, advocating for liberal education reform. His activism led to clashes with Chulalongkorn University, including being twice removed from the Student Council.

In recent years, he has continued his protests, including a stance against conscription. Now an award-winning filmmaker, his fight to defend Thai culture and human rights shows no sign of slowing down, reported Thai PBS World.

In related news, two decades ago, Thai cinema was forever changed by the release of Shutter, a film that became a benchmark for horror enthusiasts worldwide. Directed by emerging talents Banjong Pisanthanakun and Parkpoom Wongpoom, Shutter is making a grand comeback this year with a remastered 4K version, reigniting the terror and nostalgia that cemented its place in horror history.