A new movie starring Princess Ubolratana is a story from the heart that aims to raise money for the education of underprivileged upcountry kids

Ask rookie director Siripakorn Wongchariya-wat about his upcoming movie "Neung Jai Diaw Kan" ("Where the Miracle Happens"), which marks the acting debut of Princess Ubolratana, and he brushes aside the production details.

"What's behind the story is much more important," he says.

The film, which goes on general release on August 7, is based on Princess Ubolratana's novel "Rueang San Thee Chan Kid," and isn't just aimed at entertaining movie fans but also publishing her new project, the "Miracle of Life", which will raise funds to build school in remote areas.

"The Princess has always enjoyed helping people. Since losing her son in the tsunami, she wants to do something bigger," he explains.

Siripakorn, a member of the art team on Nonzee Nimibutr's 1997 hit movie "2499 Anthaphan Krong Mueang" ("Dang Bireley's and the Young Gangsters"), was picked by the Princess herself to direct the film.

"Miracle" tells the story of Pimdao, a businesswoman who is given the heart of daughter after they are both involved in a car accident. After reading her daughter's diary, Pimdao decides to fulfil the girl's wishes and moves to the north of the country to help underprivileged kids.

There she meets Dr Phobtham (Sukolawat Kanaros) and Nil (Siraphan Wattnajinda), a volunteer teacher at the remote school, who is sceptical about Pimdao's motives.

Have an open mind

"I hope the film will help the audience understand more about the Princess and the project," he says.

"I realise some people might have preconceived ideas and refuse to see the film. I would ask them to keep an open mind, to come to theatres and if they don't like the movie, to blame me."

The director attempts to add credibility to the Princess' acting abilities by adding some dramatic scenes, such as the one where Nil shouts at the older Pimdao.

"I want to break down some walls. The Princess has worked very hard at her acting. These scenes could not happen unless she believed she was Pimdao at that moment," says the director.