A new initiative offers an alternative to the blockbusters, making it easy for the multiplex masses to see the work of independent filmmakers

Bangkok's art-film scene adds another venue to its short list of indie theatres this week with SF World Cinema at CentralWorld joining Extra Virgin to present the director's Screen series.

It opens on Thursday with "Wonderful Town", a romantic drama by Aditya Assarat that has been a favourite on the film-fest circuit. The second film is Pimpaka Towira's political documentary "The Truth Be Told", starting May 29.

"Promoting the films is easier if we group them as a package, as we have with 'Wonderful Town' and 'The Truth Be Told'," says Pimpika, a partner in Extra Virgin, which produces and distributes independent films.

SF's marketing manager Suphat Ngamwongpaibool is enthusiastic, saying he's keen  to attract indie film fans to the CentralWorld multiplex.

Pimpaka says the Director's Screen series will only survive if seat occupancy exceeds 30 per cent.

"I think there are between 5,000 and 10,000 regular fans of alternative film in Bangkok, so if they regularly patronise the cinema, the project will be good for both filmmakers and the multiplex," she says.

But Suwat says even if some of the films aren't so successful, "we can find a way of making it work".

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Worth watching

>> Each film runs for four weeks.

>> The showtime is 7.30 nightly at SF World Cinema.

>> Tickets are Bt140.