Bangkok--17 Aug--InfoQuest Given the overwhelming success of the recent screening of Thai Indy movie “Invisible Waves” and the exciting party held afterwards in celebration of the film, SPO Inc, Japan’s leading movie distributor, expressed strong confidence in Thai movie potential in Japan while Singha - the preferred Asian beer brewed in Thailand — voiced support by continuing to champion entertaining films and fine tasting beer. During the recent Bangkok International Film Festival in Thailand, Mr. Yoshiharu Katsuki, President and CEO of SPO Inc, shared his agreement with Singha Beer regarding the potential of Thai films to succeed in Japan: “We are impressed with the quality of Thai movies. ‘Invisible Waves’ immensely charmed and inspired us to explore new opportunities to bring in more Thai-made movies to Japan. As we are looking for alternative foreign movies to Korean films, which have been very popular for years, we first thought of other Asian movies. Then this Thai Indy film sparked a new light. Here at the Bangkok International Film Festival, the screenings of various Thai films and meetings with several Thai filmmakers convinced us of the enormous potential for Thai films to become popular in Japan.” Katsuki-san added that after his visit to Thailand and attendance at the Bangkok International Film Festival 2007, SPO will look for further opportunities to promote Thai films in Japan. SPO started their annual Korean Film Festival in 2005 which contributed the Korean contents boom in Japan and the company is considering organizing a Thai Film Festival so that the Festival can contribute to the popularity ofThai films in Japan. Mr. Trachoo Kanchanasatitaya, Marketing Communication Director of Singha Beer’s distributor Boonrawd Trading Co., Ltd. commented, “Movies and beverages are among the shared areas of enjoyment that bring people from different cultures closer together, as was demonstrated by the great response ‘Invisible Waves’ received from young Japanese viewers at the Cinem@rt Film Roppongi, SPO’s theater in Tokyo, held earlier in Japan. “Singha has served the Japanese market for over 40 years as Thailand’s ‘cultural ambassador.’ Now, we are proud to invite Japanese customers to explore and experience the charm of ‘Thainess’ in another way - through Thai movies. We are confident this also presents a strong business opportunity for the two countries. To us, movies are an effective lifestyle marketing tool to connect the Singha Beer brand to the younger generation of Japanese.” “Invisible Waves” was imported by SPO Inc, for screening at the Cinem@rt Roppongi. The feedback from Japanese viewers was very positive. To celebrate the Thai movie’s success, Singha treated the audience with free Singha Beer product samples as well as an opportunity to meet with Prabda Yoon, the scriptwriter of the movie, at a special party held at the Cinem@rt Roppongi. Thanks to the successful screening, Singha has set the stage for other Thai films to find favour in the Japanese market. About Singha Beer Singha Beer was first introduced to consumers in 1933, and ever since has been the preferred choice of beer among Thais looking for the finest premium lager with a taste unmatched by any other beer in Thailand. Today Boonrawd is proud to play the role of “cultural ambassador” to the world, and presently exports Singha Beer to over 36 countries, including the UK and the US. Singha is the only Thai beer with an international flavour, made with ingredients from the finest hop-growing regions in the world. In recent years it has won several awards on the global stage, a testament to its international appeal, quality and taste that pairs perfectly with all Asian cuisine. For more information, please email to [email protected] --Distributed by AsiaNet ( www.asianetnews.net )--