The film depicts a region where serious refugee problems are just a few steps down the road. Rather than from the viewpoints of specific governments or ideas, Aroonpheng attempts to single out such issues by perceiving and abstracting them through the filter of general human sensitivity and conflict.
Summary
The film is set in a coastal village in Thailand, where large numbers of refugees are said to have drowned. A fisherman rescues an injured man who doesn’t speak a word from a forest, and takes care of him at his home. He names him Thongchai, and a friendship develops between the two. One day, the fisherman suddenly disappears, and as if on his behalf, Thongchai takes over not only the man’s house but also his old wife… The title refers to a type of ray called “manta,” which makes a symbolic appearance in the film.
Manta Ray won an Orizzonti Prize at the Venice International Film Festival 2018.
It was also shown at TOKYO FILMeX and Fukuoka International Film Festival – Focus on Asia 2019.
Details
Manta Ray
Director: Phuttiphong AROONPHENG
2018 / Thailand, France, China
105 min / Thai / Japanese subtitles
Worldwide sales: The Party Film Sales
Japanese subtitle cooperation: TOKYO FILMeX
Screening Schedule
October 18（Wed）15:50〜
October 20（Fri）17:45〜
November 16（Thu）15:40〜
November 19（Sun）13:00〜
Numbered tickets for all screenings are distributed at the main venue’s reception desk from 10:00 AM on the respective day.
Visitors will be admitted in the order of ticket numbers, seating is free.
- Visitors to each screening admitted by rotation
- Doors open 30 min. before the start of the program
- To attend this event, you will be asked to present your ticket for the main venue (1-Day Ticket or Festival Pass).
- The short film OUR CINEMAS (ODA Kaori, 3 min 48 sec) is shown prior to the start of the main program.
- This performance will be staged inside an exhibition space. Please be aware that there will be other visitors walking around at the exhibition.
