Editor

Despite cloud covered skies, the torrential rains have ceased for the moment and things are looking up for the Phuket Film Festival.

After reorganizing its schedule and having to drop some films from its line-up due to a decision to release projection equipment as a cost saving measure, tickets have begun to sell and special events are seeing a good turnout of patrons.

Meet the Directors at Capt Yamu featuring New York based, Hollywood Director Darnell Martin ("Cadillac Records") was plagued by the rains and technical difficulties, but by the time the rains broke, the techs had the projection equipment up and operating.

"Last night worked out nicely, even with the rough start. Thank you so much for putting together a lovely evening for my son and myself," said Ms. Martin. "We have to fail at our dreams before we can succeed, or we haven't dreamed big enough. This festival could totally work. In the end, the community won't care about the things that went wrong."

Friday's Thailand premiere of "Bitter/Sweet" which was filmed entirely in Thailand (in English and Thai languages) will be celebrated by attendance of film stars and other glitterati at the Coliseum Cineplex in Phuket Town and after party at Vijitt Resort. The film opens across Thailand later next week.

On Saturday (June 12) Vietnamese action thriller Bay Rong (Clash) screens with director Le Thanh Son attending. At Wednesday's screening, Director Le had nothing but praise for the Thai production services industry.

"In Vietnam we know Thailand for the excellent film technicians who are completely dedicated to their work. They are the best in all of Asia," Le Than Son said.

Saturday also sees the last screening of Repo Men in Thailand. This Hollywood actionire has all the action and "gore" you love and hate in movies.

Saturday night also features screening of two movies which were cut from the schedule. Thanks however to Howard and Nui at the Green Man and director Paul Hills of "Do Elephants Pray" - that movie and "Who Killed Chea Vichea" will play as a double header at The Green Man beginning at 7 pm.

Phuket Film Festival wraps on Sunday, June 13 with the World Premiere of Yuthlert Sippak's "Friday Killer". Big crowd is expected to begin building at 18:00 on Sunday at the wonderful StereoLab Phuket Club on Surin Beach.

A wonderful party greeting for director Yuthlert and actress Ploy Jindachot and hopefully a beautiful sunset closing over the ocean as the Phuket Film Festival 2010 wraps.