A Thai film that uses Khon performance to represent a portion of the Ramayana tale is nearly finished and will be released on December 5. The Thai government is supporting the production of the film in the hopes that it would help to promote Thailand’s cultural identity and soft power overseas.
Itthiphol Kunplome, the Minister of Culture, recently discussed the filming of “White Monkey,” which is based on the Hindu deity Hanuman. The Thai Media Fund and commercial sector partners are working together to create the film. The project’s founders want to one day build a museum dedicated to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s cultural legacies. Since 2005, King Bhumibol has worked alongside Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, to ensure the continued success of Khon performances in the Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theater. Furthermore, the movie is anticipated to aid in the promotion of Thailand’s soft power in the film industry.
The Khon performance film adapts the Ramayana epic for the screen using Khon theater, computer animation, and special effects. The narrative draws from both published works and the perspectives of Khon specialists. The ministry of culture claims that the video would amuse and impress viewers while also spreading awareness of Khon, Thailand’s national performing art. Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theater artists are joined by Khon specialists from a variety of institutions in this play.
On December 4 of this year, the film will be shown for the first time to the public. On Sunday, December 5th, Father’s Day, regular showings will resume in theaters around the country.
