After Boycott Calls, Thailand’s Suphannahong Awards Reverses Rule Change That Excluded Independent Films
variety.comPatrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief Organizers of Thailand’s Suphannahong National Film Awards on Friday evening reversed an earlier rule change that had caused several filmmakers to call for a boycott.
Earlier this week it emerged that a recent rule change effectively disqualified independent or low-budget titles. The criteria stipulated that, to qualify for nomination, movies must be shown in cinemas (direct to streaming titles do not qualify), must have had a release in at least five regions or big cities, and attract audiences of at least 50,000 spectators.
At least, one local media report said that the rules were introduced in 2019. But the change had little impact in the intervening years due to low levels of film production.
This week the rules caused controversy among fans and members of the indie film community. The hashtag #BanSuphannahong has been prominent on Twitter since Thursday. “Anatomy of Time” which premiered at the Venice festival in September last year was among 11 films barred from the awards.
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