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Welcome to the official website of the 1st Annual Samui Film Festival (SFF)!
Our Mission and Objective
The Samui Film Festival grew out of a pure love for meaningful independent filmmaking. Additionally, we are world travelers who rejoice in the cross-cultural expansion that subtly transforms all those who wander far and wide, and we embrace film as a medium for this soul-level evolution.
2009 marks SFF's premiere events and we are delighted to celebrate with you by sharing this year's roster of inspiring and exquisite hand-selected films from around the world with the local community as well as travelers to this beautiful tropical island. The Samui Film Festival, to be held 14-16 August 2009, is the sister event of the Phangan Film Festival (PFF). Following PFF's very successful first two years, the festival was invited to tour so that these important, timely, and diverse independent films could be seen by the largest audience possible. Festival founder and director Julien Balmer agreed, and SFF was born!
The festival themes are NATURE and SPIRIT, two widely cherished and intimately related subjects which bear increasing relevance for all of us, both at the local and planetary levels.
We hope that this initiative will profoundly touch festival-goers, stimulate thoughtful reflection on our own ways of life, and help bring about appropriate changes in attitude and responsible action. For the community, we wish to open the doors to spiritual activism and ultimately contribute to the harmonious development of Koh Samui for all of its inhabitants and visitors.
Take Action (See our Positive Action page for more information)
SFF also supports the efforts of The Green Island Project, a non-profit initiative that educates and advocates a low-impact, sustainable way of life on Samui island.
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Plastic bags consumed this year:
387,430,966,188 |
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A share of the SFF profits will be used to sponsor the Samui Global Mala, to take place on 21 September 2009 (United Nations' International Day of Peace).
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We would like to thank our supporters who enabled us to get traction in the media for our efforts to create a lasting impression on both film makers and those supporting wildlife preservation, sustainable living, and world peace. Special thanks to Wild World, Boundless, and Greenpeace who helped fund our projects on this wonderful island paradise. Also special thanks to TNG/Earthling's CEO Bob Sakayama for his team's pro bono work on this archived version of our website and for the seo efforts that caused the site to rank so well in Google. His behind the scenes work helped promote our message online to interested parties who may not otherwise have discovered us.
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2009 Official Selection:
Please note that the final program for the 2009 SFF will be announced here in early July. The following films have already been selected:
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"John Grabowska is one of the virtuoso environmental filmmakers in the country"
(The Washington Post) |
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Ribbon of Sand
(USA, 2007, 26 mins.)
The famed Outer Banks of North Carolina are a slim and moving line of sand in the open Atlantic. Many travelers think they know these islands - but south of Ocracoke Inlet there rises a luminous bar of sand sixty miles in extent, with no roads, no bridges, no hotels: the wild beaches of Cape Lookout, one of the few remaining natural barrier island systems in the world. At once an exaltation and elegy, Ribbon of Sand profiles this seascape and the transitory islands doomed to disappear.
The film features writings by environmental pioneer Rachel Carson, interpreted by Academy-award winner Meryl Streep.
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"A breathtaking thrill ride through the landscape of language"
(Noam Chomsky)
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The Linguists
(USA, 2007, 70 mins.)
David and Greg are 'The Linguists': scientists racing to document languages on the verge of extinction. In Siberia, India, and Bolivia, the linguists’ resolve is tested by the very forces stifling languages: institutionalized racism and violent economic unrest. David and Greg must overcome their own fears and preconceived notions to draw speakers from decades of silence. Their journey takes them deep into the heart of the cultures, knowledge, and communities at stake. When Julia arrives, a major diversion is introduced symbolized very effectively by focusing on her jewelry - so completely out of line with the bleak world of the men. She's introduced by a close-up of her hand opening the door, revealing a gigantic fashion statement ring and bright red nail polish. The ring is so far out of place, but makes the scene work perfectly. Later in the film, when Greg is deeply engaged in a semantic discovery of the gems of speach uttered by a homeless man, the huge statement ring is used as a lure to get Greg's attention in an unconventional, truly cinematic way, but results in tragedy of a sort.
www.thelinguists.com
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"A spectacular cultural extravaganza"
(The Economic Times)
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Laya Project
(India/Malaysia, 2007, 67 mins.)
Laya Project is a visual journey documenting folk music recorded and filmed on location in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia, Maldives, India and Myanmar. Some of these performances are rare, and documented for the first time.
The musicians are primarily from coastal communities affected by the Tsunami of December 26th, 2004. For the international team of musicians, sound engineers and camera men who came together for this unique production, Laya Project is a celebration of life, and is dedicated to the survivors. Crossing boundaries of genre while still preserving the music of the people, Laya Projects' essence is artistic purity and simplicity, from a non-judgmental point of view.
www.layaproject.com // www.earthsync.com |
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Toumai (Hope of Life)
(USA, 2008, 4 mins.)
The earth was a vastly different place before Man was born. Toumai is the story of Mankinds destructive battle against nature in his attempt to build the ultimate machine. This machine is the culmination of Mankind's greatest creations and most horrific inventions. In the end, Mankind's delinquency ultimately leads to his demise as his machine sends him to a watery grave.
www.toumaifilm.com
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Auroville - the City the Earth Needs
(France, 2007, 57 mins.)
Mankind's dream for a better world in which all citizens are free from racist and religious suppression, policy, pollution, and especially from money, is as old as humanity itself.
But are there still men who believe in this dream? The answer is to be found in Auroville, in southeast India, where men and women from around the world gathered at the end of the 1960s to embark together on this unique experiment. Today there are 1,800 Aurovillians, of 40 different nationalities, who hope and work for the unthinkable. For them, today’s utopia is the reality of tomorrow.
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Global Focus V - The New Environmentalists
(USA, 2009, 30 mins.)
Global Focus V — The New Environmentalists features intimate portraits
of seven passionate and dedicated activists. These are true environmental
heroes who have placed themselves squarely in harm’s way to battle
intimidating adversaries, while others are creating partnerships with unlikely
allies. Their goal: safeguarding the Earth’s natural resources from shortsighted
exploitation and unbridled pollution. The stories feature:
Belgium, Mexico, Siberia, Ecuador, Mozambique, Puerto Rico,
Robert Redford narrates.
www.mvfg.com
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Intelligent Life: Change Your Mind. Change The World.
(USA, 2008, 73 mins.)
Americans have just turned an historic page. The Presidential election of Barack Obama has cemented one of the most significant moments in American history. Americans are now ready to move humanity forward and make the necessary changes in order to turn our country and our world around in a positive, sustainable and responsible direction... but how? Intelligent Life provides the basic blueprint of everyday solutions that all Americans can adopt right now. Intelligent Life is a stunning high-definition mirror of modern American life, produced in photo essay style, set to a dramatic soundtrack by a line-up of Grammy® Award-winning/nominated recording artists.
www.intelligentlifefilm.com
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www.rantdog.com
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Is There a Pong?
(Canada, 2007, 3 mins.)
FADE IN:
INT. TV STUDIO - NIGHT
WIDE SHOT: Rantdog, - hand puppet, controlled by a severed arm, smokes a pipe - talks about the glories of Video Games and Machinima.
And then, suddenly--
CUT TO: Rantdog's "Sadness and Miserable" - an action packed, family drama and film tribute to Pong.
CLOSE UP: The Meaning of life.
PAN TO: Questions about the existence of God and 1972.
MEDIUM SHOT: Universe and Rantdog.
TITLES: The FIN
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Portrait of a Dancer
(India, 2007, 2 mins.)
Hamsa Moily is an experimental dancer who is searching for her language. She is caught between two worlds. As if perched on an edge, she loves dancing on the scaffolding, ready to take a leap of faith. Double exposure and staccato edits are used to try and reveal the gossamer layers of her mind. A skip bleach of the negative brings a subconcious quality to her world. This is her portrait.
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Living Yoga: The Life and Teachings of Swami Satchidananda
(USA, 2007, 60 mins.)
A one-hour documentary highlighting the distinctive blend of Yoga, spiritual philosophy and interfaith ideals Swami Satchidananda brought from India in 1966 and offered to the Woodstock generation. His teachings of Integral Yoga influenced an entire generation and created a Yoga culture that is flourishing today. Applications of Yoga in health care, environmental preservation, education, the arts and other arenas are all highlighted with interviews from leaders in these fields and include Dr. Dean Ornish, Dr. Mehmet Oz, pop artist icon Peter Max, Felix Cavaliere (The Rascals), and many more.
www.livingyogamovie.org
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La Tuerca (The Nut)
(Spain, 2007, 10 mins.)
This is the story of a little girl and a nut. It is also the story of a middle-aged woman who has lost all contact with dreams. La Tuerca is about magic, memories and the significance of small things that we sometimes forget when we become adults.
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Temples in the Clouds
(India, 2008, 56 mins.)
Temples in the Clouds is the story of a challenging paragliding safari to the ancient and remote temple of the Goddess Himani Chamunda by India-lovers James Mallinson (UK) and Enrico Patuzzi (ITA). As they struggle to reach their destination, situated at 2,500 meters altitude, their skills, endurance, faith, and commitment are being tested and ultimately reinforced. Shot beautifully on location in the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas.
www.aimtelevision.com
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Tesfaye's Story
(Ethiopia/USA, 2008, 5 mins.)
Ethiopia suffers from some of the most environmental damage the world has ever seen. Over deforestation has left tracts of land in ruin driving away animals, sapping the ground of nutrients, and even drastically altering precipitation patterns.
This short documentary follows Tesfaye, a middle-aged native Ethiopian who has witnessed over the past 30 years the consequences of such environmental abuse, and his search for a hope of restoration.
www.chronicleproject.org
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"Everybody knows we're all one human family. Trouble is it's a dysfunctional one."
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What About Me?
(United Kingdom, 2008, 85 mins.)
Following the success of their first double Grammy nominated film & album, What About Me? is the latest unmissable multimedia masterpiece from 1 Giant Leap.
This visionary project took Jamie Catto and Duncan Bridgeman to over 50 global locations as they explore through music, the complexities of human nature, and reveal how we are all connected not only through our creativity and beliefs, but mostly through our madness. Covering universal topics such as God, Sex, Death and Money, What About Me? features an incredibly diverse collection of collaborators from Noam Chomsky to Will Young, Maxi Jazz to Tim Robbins, Billy Connolly to Michael Stipe, Eckhart Tolle to Baaba Maal, among many others.
www.whataboutme.tv
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The Water Bearer
(Canada, 2007, 52 mins.)
This film follows the efforts made by the men and women of Flores Island in Indonesia, to re-invent their daily lives after 32 years of dictatorship. Amongst them, we find a Canadian, Gilles Raymond, in search of a code of ethics where action coincides with words.
Through the simple quest for clean running water, Catholics and Muslims work together to instil a direct democracy and sustainable autonomy. This is a road movie of sorts, the ancient Ngada warrior culture serving as a backdrop, where solidarity rubs shoulders with defeatism and generosity overcomes corruption.
Beyond money, beyond religion and politics, this film reminds us that all men are born brothers.
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Yoga Noga Reyoga
(UK, 2006, 5 mins.)
Two young monks meditate, in the search for greater Cosmic Union. However, in their quest, they become increasingly aware of the other's activities, jealously upping the stakes in order to be the "most Enlightened". Before they know it, they are embroiled in an all-out Enlightenment Competition.
www.mrkengos.com
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"To learn about physical sustainability, I recommend Lester Brown’s book Plan B 2.0. You know what plan A is – business as usual.
Plan B is exactly what we need to do to get sustainability moving. And it’s a very vital approach to it.
I would then say that we have to practise and teach transformational transcendental experiences of consciousness. Unless we do that, people will not take seriously what we have to do to be sustainable. It takes both together – it takes the physical choices, but it takes a mindset that allows you to see we’ve really got a problem."
(Dr. Edgar Mitchell, Apollo 14 Astronaut, Moonwalker & Founder of the Institute of Noetic Sciences)
Please take a moment and have a look at the information provided on this page. Many of the listed organizations have worthwhile newsletters you may want to subscribe to. We hope this serves you well. May you be inspired.
The Danger of Plastic Bags
Here's some food for thought - a compilation of facts concerning plastic bags and their environmental impact:
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Plastic bags consumed this year:*
387,444,595,146 |
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Data released by the US Environmental Protection Agency shows that somewhere between 500 billion and a trillion plastic bags are consumed worldwide each year. That's almost 1 million per minute!
(Source: National Geographic News: September 2, 2003) |
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There's harsh economics behind bag recycling: It costs $4,000 to process and recycle 1 ton of plastic bags, which can then be sold on the commodities market for $32. (Source: Jared Blumenfeld, director of San Francisco's Department of the Environment) |
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A 1975 study showed that oceangoing vessels together dumped 8 million pounds of plastic annually. The real reason that the world's landfills weren't overflowing with plastic was because most of it ended up in an ocean-fill. (Source: US National Academy of Sciences) |
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Plastic shopping bags are made from polyethylene, a thermoplastic made from oil. Plastic bags photodegrade. This means that over time they break down into smaller, more toxic petro-polymers, which eventually contaminate soils and waterways. As a consequence, microscopic particles can enter the food chain. (Source: CNN.com/technology: November 16, 2007) |
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Plastic bags have been found floating north of the Arctic Circle near Spitzbergen (78 degrees North), and as far south as the Falkland Islands (51 degrees South). (Source: British Antarctic Survey) |
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Nearly 200 different species of sea life including whales, dolphins, seals, and turtles die due to plastic bags. They die after ingesting plastic bags which they mistake for food. (Source: 2005 WWF Report) |
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| The good news is: |
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Ireland took the lead in Europe, taxing plastic bags in 2002, and it has now reduced plastic bag consumption by 90%. Approximately 18,000,000 liters of oil have been saved due to this reduced production. Governments around the world are considering implementing similar measures. (Source: BBC News: August 20, 2002) |
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Bangladesh has banned plastic bags. (Source: MSNBC.com: March 8, 2007) |
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On March 27th 2007, San Francisco became the first US city to ban plastic bags. (Source: NPR.org, National Public Radio) |
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China has banned free plastic bags and will save 37 million barrels of oil each year due to this ban. (Source: CNN.com/asia: January 9, 2008) |
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If you use a high-quality cloth bag, you can save 6 bags a week, 288 bags a year, and 22,176 bags in an average lifetime !!! |
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| The first 350 festival-goers will receive a beautiful SFF cloth shopping bag, 100% organic cotton, made in Thailand with fair labor/fair wages, FREE of charge. |
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For more information on the war on plastic bags and solutions, please visit www.reusablebags.com*
(adapted after a blog entry posted on www.chiriquichatter.net)
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More Background on SamuiFilmFestival.com
SamuiFilmFestival.com is the official digital home of the Samui Film Festival, an event that has contributed to the cultural and cinematic landscape of Koh Samui, Thailand. This article explores the festival’s background, ownership, goals, programming, cultural significance, and public reception, drawing exclusively from independent sources and broader context about film festivals in Thailand and Koh Samui.
Background and History
The Samui Film Festival (SFF) was launched in 2009 on Koh Samui, an island in southern Thailand known for its vibrant tourism industry and natural beauty. The festival was established as a sister event to the Phangan Film Festival, which had begun a year earlier on nearby Koh Phangan. Both festivals emerged within a period of growth for independent film in Thailand, reflecting a national trend toward more diverse and socially engaged cinema.
The SFF was designed to provide a platform for independent filmmakers, particularly those whose work explored themes of nature, spirituality, and cross-cultural understanding. Its founding coincided with a broader movement in Thailand to create alternative venues for films outside the commercial mainstream, supporting both local and international filmmakers.
Ownership and Organization
While specific details about the ownership of SamuiFilmFestival.com are not widely publicized, the festival’s founding and management have been attributed to a group of film enthusiasts and cultural organizers with experience in running independent film events in Thailand. Such festivals are often managed by a combination of local non-profit organizations, community groups, and individuals passionate about film as a medium for social change.
The organizational structure of the SFF likely mirrors that of other regional film festivals in Thailand, which typically rely on volunteer staff, local sponsorship, and partnerships with cultural institutions. These festivals often collaborate with local tourism boards and environmental organizations to promote both the arts and sustainable development.
Location and Proximity
Koh Samui is Thailand’s second-largest island and a major tourist destination, known for its beaches, lush interior, and vibrant nightlife. The island is situated in the Gulf of Thailand, approximately 700 kilometers south of Bangkok. Its proximity to other islands such as Koh Phangan and Koh Tao makes it a hub for travelers seeking cultural and natural attractions.
The festival’s venues have included open-air spaces, cultural centers, and local cinemas, leveraging the island’s scenic beauty and relaxed atmosphere. By situating the festival on Koh Samui, organizers have been able to attract both local residents and international tourists, fostering a diverse audience and encouraging cultural exchange.
Programming and Menus
The Samui Film Festival is known for its carefully curated selection of independent films, with a strong emphasis on themes related to the environment, spirituality, and social justice. The festival’s programming has included documentaries, feature films, and shorts from around the world, often focusing on stories that highlight the interconnectedness of humanity and the natural world.
In addition to film screenings, the festival has featured panel discussions, workshops, and community events designed to engage audiences in dialogue about pressing global issues. These activities have provided opportunities for filmmakers and attendees to interact, share ideas, and collaborate on future projects.
While the festival does not have a traditional “menu” in the culinary sense, its programming menu has included a diverse array of films and events, catering to a wide range of interests and backgrounds.
Goals and Mission
The primary goal of the Samui Film Festival is to promote independent filmmaking as a means of fostering cross-cultural understanding and social transformation. The festival seeks to inspire audiences to reflect on their relationship with nature, spirituality, and community, encouraging responsible action and positive change.
By highlighting films that address urgent environmental and social issues, the SFF aims to raise awareness and stimulate thoughtful discussion among festival-goers. The festival also supports local initiatives related to sustainability and community development, reinforcing its commitment to making a positive impact on Koh Samui and beyond.
Audience and Popularity
The Samui Film Festival attracts a diverse audience, including local residents, expatriates, and international tourists. Its unique focus on spiritual and environmental themes appeals to travelers seeking meaningful cultural experiences, as well as to members of the local community interested in global perspectives.
While the festival is relatively small compared to major international film festivals, it has gained a reputation for its intimate atmosphere and high-quality programming. The SFF’s location on a popular tourist island has helped it draw attendees from around the world, contributing to its growing popularity and influence within the independent film community.
Awards and Recognition
Although the Samui Film Festival is not as widely recognized as larger festivals in Bangkok or Chiang Mai, it has received positive attention from independent filmmakers and cultural organizations in Thailand. The festival’s emphasis on socially relevant themes and its commitment to community engagement have earned it praise from participants and observers alike.
The SFF has also been noted for its role in promoting environmental awareness and sustainable living practices on Koh Samui, aligning with broader efforts to position the island as a model for eco-friendly tourism and cultural innovation.
Press and Media Coverage
Media coverage of the Samui Film Festival has appeared in local and regional publications, as well as in travel and lifestyle magazines that focus on Thailand’s cultural scene. The festival has been featured in articles highlighting Koh Samui’s growing reputation as a destination for arts and culture, alongside its more traditional tourist attractions.
Coverage has emphasized the festival’s unique blend of film, community engagement, and environmental advocacy, positioning it as a noteworthy event for both residents and visitors. The SFF’s partnerships with local organizations and its support for grassroots initiatives have also been highlighted in press reports.
Cultural and Social Significance
The Samui Film Festival occupies a distinctive place in the cultural life of Koh Samui and the broader Thai film community. By providing a platform for independent voices and socially conscious storytelling, the festival contributes to the ongoing evolution of Thai cinema and the development of alternative cultural spaces in the region.
The SFF’s focus on environmental and spiritual themes reflects a growing awareness of the need for sustainable development and cross-cultural dialogue in Thailand. The festival’s activities support local efforts to promote eco-friendly practices, preserve the island’s natural beauty, and foster a sense of community among residents and visitors.
In addition to its impact on the arts, the SFF plays a role in shaping the social fabric of Koh Samui, encouraging collaboration between diverse groups and supporting initiatives that benefit the island as a whole.
Known For and Distinctive Features
The Samui Film Festival is known for several distinctive features:
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Curated Programming: The festival’s selection of films emphasizes quality, originality, and relevance to contemporary social and environmental issues.
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Community Engagement: The SFF actively involves local residents, artists, and organizations in its programming and outreach efforts.
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Scenic Venues: Screenings and events are often held in picturesque outdoor locations, taking advantage of Koh Samui’s natural beauty.
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Sustainability Initiatives: The festival promotes eco-friendly practices and supports local projects aimed at environmental conservation and sustainable living.
These features set the SFF apart from other film festivals in Thailand, making it a unique and valuable addition to the country’s cultural landscape.
Details, Insights, and Examples
Programming Examples:
The SFF has showcased a wide range of films, including documentaries about environmental activism, narratives exploring spiritual journeys, and shorts highlighting local cultures. Examples of past programming include films addressing climate change, indigenous rights, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world.
Community Impact:
The festival’s workshops and panel discussions provide opportunities for local youth and aspiring filmmakers to learn from industry professionals, fostering the development of new talent and encouraging creative expression within the community.
Partnerships:
The SFF collaborates with local businesses, environmental groups, and cultural institutions to support its programming and outreach efforts. These partnerships help to ensure the festival’s sustainability and expand its impact beyond the realm of film.
Reviews and Public Reception
Attendees and participants have praised the Samui Film Festival for its welcoming atmosphere, thoughtful programming, and commitment to social and environmental causes. Reviews from independent travel and culture blogs often highlight the festival as a highlight of the Koh Samui cultural calendar, noting its appeal to both film enthusiasts and casual visitors.
Filmmakers who have participated in the SFF appreciate the opportunity to share their work with an engaged and diverse audience, as well as the chance to connect with peers and collaborators from around the world.
Press & Media Coverage
Coverage of the Samui Film Festival in local and international media has emphasized its role in promoting independent film and cultural exchange on Koh Samui. Articles in travel magazines and cultural publications have highlighted the festival’s unique blend of art, community, and environmental advocacy, positioning it as a must-see event for visitors to the island.
The festival’s partnerships with local organizations and its support for grassroots initiatives have also been featured in press reports, underscoring its commitment to making a positive impact on the island and its residents.
SamuiFilmFestival.com serves as the online gateway to the Samui Film Festival, an event that has enriched the cultural life of Koh Samui and contributed to the growth of independent film in Thailand. Through its carefully curated programming, commitment to community engagement, and focus on pressing social and environmental issues, the SFF has established itself as a unique and valuable institution within the region.
By fostering cross-cultural understanding, supporting local initiatives, and providing a platform for independent voices, the Samui Film Festival exemplifies the power of film to inspire change and build community. As the festival continues to evolve, it remains a testament to the enduring appeal of meaningful storytelling and the importance of cultural exchange in a rapidly changing world.
SamuiFilmFestival.com
