Bangkok--24 May--TQPR
Next week, six exciting young Thai actresses go international. They are being flown to Belgium to complete shooting of the award-winning Belgian TV series Matrioshki. Another first for the Thai film industry, as a group of actresses shoot a drama in Europe.
The actresses are: Tharinee “August” Songkiathanna, playing the lead role Thip, Chalita “Ae” Chaisaeng (Bangkok Dangerous, Nicholas Cage), Duangduean “Deedee” Kumphasee (Crocs, Michael Madsen, DHI Entertaiment), Pailin “Aum” Patta (Rambo IV, Sylvester Stallone), Pennane “Yo Yea” Sangkorn (Sud Sakhon), Thanita “Pikky” Jirapanich (a renowned dancer).
Matrioshki is a series devoted to exposing the realities of human trafficking around the world and is supported by Amnesty International. Although the content can be controversial at times, the goal of the series is to instigate positive change in laws and public perception towards the suffering of trafficked women. It is a testament to the young Thai actresses courage and ability to tackle these difficult roles.
Local Production Co-ordinators Living Films joined with Independent Productions out of Belgium to help produce the Thailand parts of the first three episodes of the second season of Matrioshki. The shooting took place in Bangkok and Pattaya over four long weeks from Oct. 2 to Oct. 26, 2006. The final 7 episodes are being shot in Belgium and Eastern Europe and should air throughout Europe in late 2007.
The actresses will be voluntarily chaperoned by British film-maker Kaprice Kea (Director, Butterfly Man 2002) who feels that it is necessary that the actresses are properly protected during their stay in Belgium.
Extract from Flander Image
“Marc Punt and Guy Goossens' Matrioshki has won the Award for Best TV Drama Series at this year's 44th Radio and Television Critics Awards. The 10-part series following the adventures of a Belgian criminal gang travels from Antwerp to Lithuania to recruit young Eastern European girls was also a ratings success when it was originally broadcast last year on Flemish broadcaster VTM.”
Statement from actress Tharinee “August” Songkiathanna who plays Thip
“My character is a girl from a very poor family in the provinces that was sold into prostitution for a very cheap price. She had to work in Pattaya and was sold to another agent in Europe. She has to send money to support her family. In Belgium she fights to escape her captors.”
The Actresses should be available for an interview on Friday 25th May.
Contact: Kaprice Kea 0841 004 005
For more information please contact:
TQPR (Thailand)
Maetavarin Maneekulpan
Tel: 0 2260 5820 ext. 130 or 162
Fax: 0 2260 5847-8
Email: [email protected]
Click for photo release at www.thaipr.net