Come one, come all, but come as you are. All Ways Welcome.
Back for the fourth consecutive year, Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok presents the Pride Film Festival to commemorate PRIDE Month in June. The one-day event showcases films that are hand-picked to celebrate all things queer and everything in between and beyond, along with PRIDETalks and an after-party at Bar.Yard. The Saturday, 29 June 2024 screenings are open to the public with free admission upon advance reservation. The festival is presented in collaboration with the Colombian and Australian Embassies in Thailand.
The festival features five films that have played iconic roles in the LGBTQIA+ movement, from 10:30 a.m. to 10:45 p.m. on 29 June, at the Grand Studio situated on the sixth floor of Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok. All of films are in English, with the exception of the Colombian film and Thai film that has English subtitles.
Showtimes:
- “The Danish Girl” (2015), 10:30 a.m.
This biographical drama is inspired by the lives of Danish painter Lili Elbe’s journey as one of the first recipients of gender reassignment surgery. The film explores themes of gender identity, transformation and the impact of Lili’s transition on her marriage and art.
- “Of an Age” (2022), 1:00 p.m. (In collaboration with the Australian Embassy in Thailand)
This coming-of-age romantic drama follows the story of Kol, a Serbian-born, Australian teenage ballroom dancer, who forms a deep connection with his dance partner’s older brother, Adam. This is a transformative journey that follows how he navigates unexpected emotions and the complexities of youth, identity, longing and the fleeting nature of time.
- “Beginners” (2010), 3:30 p.m.
This drama tells the story of Oliver, who learns that his elderly father, Hal, has terminal cancer and comes out as gay at age of 75. Hal’s newfound openness leads to a deeper bond between father and son before Hal’s death. The film is celebrated for its emotional depth and earned Christopher Plummer an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
- “Miss Maria, Skirting the Mountain” (2017), 6:30 p.m. (In collaboration with the Colombian Embassy in Thailand)
This Colombian documentary tells the story of María Luisa Fuentes, a transgender woman living in Boavita, a conservative Catholic village in Colombia. Born male, María has identified and lived as a woman since she was 18. The film explores her daily life, struggles and resilience in the face of societal rejections. This film will be in Spanish, with English and Thai subtitles.
- “The Iron Ladies” (2000), 9:00 p.m.
This popular Thai comedy-drama is based on the true story of a men’s volleyball team which is frequently rejected due to its sexual orientation. When most of the original players quit in protest, Mon and Jung enlist other gay and transgender friends to form a new team. The film highlights resilience, acceptance and the power of unity.
Festival patrons can enjoy the hotel’s signature snacks and drinks which are available to purchase on-site during the screenings. These include movie munchies such as Kimpton Cheeseburgers, Breakfast Burritos, Tiger Prawn Chow Mein, Temaki Rolls, Kimpton Corn Dogs, Soft Serve Ice Cream, Hot House Slushy Margarita, Pink Lady Slushy and popcorn in assorted flavours.
Limited seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis so, as they say, if you snooze, you lose! Advance reservation is required.
PRIDETalks
This year, Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok adds an exciting addition to the empowering Pride Film Festival with a 30-minute panel at 6:00 p.m. and then at 8:15 p.m. featuring influential individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community. One of the esteemed speakers is Tana Sukke, a talented trans comedian. The other will be a representative of GIRLxGIRL, a community dedicated to women who love women. These engaging discussions are designed to raise awareness, provide inspiration and educate an intimate audience in an easily accessible manner. Tana will also delve into each of the films being showcased, offering her unique perspectives as a self-proclaimed film enthusiast.
Admission is available free of charge and to reserve your seat, please visit mtix.me/prpridefilmfest2024
For more information, please call +66 2 056 9999 or email [email protected]
Bar.Yard’s After-Party Waves the Rainbow Flag Sky-High
For those looking for more festival celebration, Bar.Yard’s “PRIDE Party” shindig features a full LGBTQIA+ DJ line-up that paints this 40th floor rooftop with all the colours of the rainbow. DJ headliners include DJ Prague, a resident DJ of Soho House starting the party from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. DJ Tui Truluv adds disco house, deep techno, Afro beats and pop-dance from 8:00 until 10:00 p.m., ending up with DJ PALLA, guest DJ from Stranger Bar, who drops the beats from 10:00 p.m. until late. Highlights also include drag performances by Bangkok’s famed drag queens.
Bar.Yard’s “PRIDE Party” on Saturday, 29 June runs from 4:00 p.m. until late. For reservations, please contact 02 056 9999 or email [email protected].
