PIFF 2010 notes: Green for White Room, Aditya returns early, market talk and AFA

Pusan Promotion Plan – Anocha Suwichakornpong is getting some green for her White Room, which was among the winners of awards from the Pusan Promotion Plan. Film Business Asia has the full rundown. The White Room, produced by Anocha and Japanese producer Kousuke Ono, received $10,000. It's a story that's set in the U.K. and Japan and is among at least two projects Anocha has going. She's also at work on her Bangkok factory-worker drama Dao Khanong (By the Time It Gets Dark).

From Busan to Bangkok – Aditya Assarat was back in Bangkok yesterday, leaving behind his Pop Pictures crew to return from Busan early. He was wearing his figurative producer's hat yesterday afternoon at the press conference for the 8th World Film Festival of Bangkok. He took the stage in the Paragon Cineplex's Enigma theater to chat with festival director Victor Silakong about the festival’s opening film Eternity (Tee Rak), which premiered in the Pusan's New Currents competition. Aditya also introduced the main cast for Eternity, actress Namfon Udomlertlak and actor Wanlop Rungkumjad. Like many Pop Pictures productions, crew members often find themselves in front of the camera. Wanlop works as an art director, and he was chosen to star in Eternity on the basis of his appearance. "Just look at him," Aditya said. "He's the most handsome guy in the company!" Eternity is directed by Sivaroj Kongsakul, who was "stuck in Busan", presumably awaiting the result of the New Currents awards.

Good reception – In addition to Eternity, Pop Pictures also has Aditya's sophomore feature High Society in Pusan. Both were well received when they were shown last weekend, Aditya says, with the theaters packed and loads of autograph seekers mobbing the bemused indie filmmakers and crew. They are bigger stars in South Korea than they are back home in Thailand.

Asian Film Market – Film Business Asia has a summary of the action at the Asian Film Market, with a look at three first-time exhibitors from Thailand. They included the new company Charisma, which was getting a few bites for its upcoming film Venom (อสรพิษ) (correction) company co-founder Jarunee Thamyu. Another Charisma project is O.T., directed by Sick Nurses co-helmer Piraphan Laoyont. Charisma made its debut in January with the children's film Panya Renu. GMM Tai Hub made its first appearance in AFM, and it sold the Korean-set romance Hello Stranger (กวน มึน โฮ) to a Taiwanese company. Kantana was also there, reporting good interest in its upcoming films.

The Class of 2010 – The Asian Film Academy has a new Thai graduate, Panit Jirawattananunt. He was among 24 fellows accepted into the AFA this year. He helped with cinematography on the AFA production Ignorance.