Still from ‘Whale Rider’, a 2002 New Zealand film
Exciting news for movie buffs—The River City Bangkok Film Club returns in 2021 with a diverse range of feature films from March to October. Carefully selected in close collaboration with various embassies, the films this year come from Israel, New Zealand, Cambodia, Mexico and Canada. Here is the full lineup of films for 2021 at RCB Film Club.
Photo: Courtesy of RCB
Screening: March 21 at 4pm
Titled Mechila in its original language, this film is a tale of friendship, family, love and reconciliation. Directed by the two lead actors of the movie who have famous names in the Israeli cinema (Hanan Savyon and Guy Amir), the story has all the elements of a brilliant entertainer with its many twists and turns. Having won Audience Awards at festivals around the world, it is one of the most successful Israeli films ever made.
The film event is supported by the Embassy of Israel, which will host a reception after the screening.
Photo: Courtesy of RCB
Screening: May 29 at 4pm
An outstanding movie from New Zealand, Whale Rider, directed by Niki Caro, has won more than 33 awards, including Critic’s Choice and Audience Awards at top festivals like Toronto, Rotterdam and San Sebastien. Set in a Maori community on New Zealand’s east cape, the film captivates with the beauty of its surroundings along with its authenticity, customs, rituals, beliefs and traditions. The 12-year-old lead, Keisha Castle-Hughes, was nominated for Best Actress at the Oscar Awards for her incredible performance.
The film event is supported by the Embassy of New Zealand, which will host a reception after the screening. New Zealand Ambassador HE Taha Macpherson will introduce the film.
Photo: Courtesy of RCB
Screening: June 26 at 4pm
A story told in three chapters, this thought-provoking Cambodian film connects the social, political and cultural history of the country with Champa Battambag—arguably the nation’s most famous song, sung by Sinn Sisamouth, the King of Khmer music. Three generations of people react differently to and are ultimately connected by the melodious song—a young expat girl, her parents caught in the Khmer Rouge genocide and her relatives living in the rural countryside. In The Life Of Music won awards in Asia, Europe and the US and was the country’s Oscar-submission in 2019.
The event is supported by the Embassy of Cambodia, which will host a reception after the screening. Cambodian Ambassador HE Ouk Sorphorn will introduce the film.
Photo: Courtesy of RCB
Screening: July 31 at 4pm
One of the most expensive films made in the country, Arrancame La Vida (Tear This Heart Out) is a lavish 19th-century drama centred on a young woman who finds herself in an arranged marriage to a much older, prominent politician. As his career progresses, she finds it more difficult to remain a loyal, loving wife and makes many disturbing discoveries of life, marriage, sex and politics.
The screening is supported by the Embassy of Mexico, which will host a reception afterwards. Mexican Ambassador HE Bernardo Cordova Tello will introduce the film.
Photo: Courtesy of RCB
Screening: October 30 at 4pm
A heartwarming story about Canada’s Chinese immigrant community, Meditation Park focuses on an ageing woman who adores her husband, only to find out he is having an affair. Watch how she pulls herself together and finds strength with other women from the community as her world falls apart. Made by Chinese-Canadian filmmaker Mina Shum, the movie won over audiences at Toronto and many other festivals.
The film event is supported by the Embassy of Canada, which will host a reception after the screening. Canadian Ambassador Dr Sarah Taylor will introduce the film.
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