Art-film fans gather for monthly, Saturday-afternoon screenings and the discussions that follow

It's said that a good book can change millions of lives. Adchara Kiatiprapai of Sem Sikkha agrees, but she points out that a good movie can also offer a better understanding about any given topic.

Adchara and her friends screen art films from around the globe at Suan Ngern Meema in Klongsan once a month on a Saturday afternoon.

Most of the movies they show never made it to the big screen in Thailand, though they can usually be found on DVD. And, as it can be boring sometimes to watch the movie quietly and then go straight home, the 1pm screenings are followed by discussions.

The point isn't to criticise the film, says Adchara. "People simply want to share their views with others."

She recalls one movie about Muslim marriage, which allows men to have more than one wife. The audience, of both genders, freely shared their ideas after the film. Unfortunately, she adds, there were no Muslims among the viewers that day.

Xtra

Coming attraction

>> "After Life" by Japanese director Hirokazu Koreeda will be shown on November 9. In this 1998 drama, recently deceased people must choose the one memory they want to take with them to eternity.

>> Admission is free though donations are welcome. Call (085) 178 1014, (086) 027 8838 or (086) 722 1600, or visit www.SemSikkha.org.