Q&A: Suparp Rimthepathip
Q&A: Suparp Rimthepathip
March 15th, 2008
The Disability Film Award (see Stuff page 28) is calling for aspiring filmmakers to express themselves on the theme of disability. We spoke to Suparp Rimthepathip, Bioscope’s managing editor, for some tips and insight on the competition.
Why did Bioscope decide to get involved?
I think the competition should help raise public awareness on disabilities. I read a book called Nang Hum Kraduuk by Opal Prapawadee. It gathers various reviews of international movies that portray and tackle this theme. The book got me thinking that Thai movies rarely touch on the issue.
Why do you think that is?
It’s not easy for Thai films to focus on social issues because what the viewers are looking for is light-hearted pleasure. That’s why theaters are full of ghosts and slapstick. But it’s possible to put across social messages or even political views through a film and still make it fun. Take Knocked Up: it’s hilarious, but it also wittily touches on abortion.
Have you ever watched movies by disabled filmmakers?
I have watched short films from Shoot Your Mouth Off, a group of disabled filmmakers. They don’t portray themselves as powerless victims. Just like any director, they know what their restrictions and strengths are and make a film according to that.
What do you expect from the Disabled Film Award?
Hopefully, we’ll get to see many new outlooks on disabilities. What matters most is the story, the message you are trying to convey. Even if you have no background in filmmaking, we have a team to help you with that.
What’s your favorite movie portraying a disabled person?
A Scene at the Sea by Takeshi Kitano. Kitano is known for violence and gangsters, but A Scene at the Sea tells a subtle story on a young deaf man. I really like it because Kitano portrays the deaf guy as an ordinary man, an everyday man everyone can relate to. In the film, there’s no barrier that separates the disabled from the “ordinary.” Nuttaporn Srisirirungsimakul
.jpg "Escape Routes: Nov14, 2008")
