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A new dawn for Thai cinema: BASK’s ambitious journey
Nattawut ‘Baz’ Poonpiriya and GDH559’s bold new venture
In the ever-evolving landscape of global cinema, a new player has emerged with a mission to amplify Thai and Asian voices on the international stage. Nattawut ‘Baz’ Poonpiriya, the visionary director behind the 2017 pan-Asian hit “Bad Genius,” has teamed up with Thailand’s leading film studio GDH559 to launch BASK, a production company set to redefine the narrative of Asian cinema.
Riding the wave of success
GDH559, a subsidiary of the GMM group, is no stranger to success. Their recent comedy-drama “How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies” has been breaking box office records across Southeast Asia, including in Singapore, Vietnam, and the Philippines. This wave of regional triumph has set the stage for BASK’s ambitious plans.
A fresh perspective on Thai and Asian culture
Co-headed by GDH producer Vanridee Pongsittisak, BASK aims to collaborate with top U.S.-based producers to bring a fresh perspective on Thai and Asian culture to global audiences. Poonpiriya’s vision is clear: “My goal is to be the international voice that speaks louder. With a louder and authentic voice, it means that I can speak for more people and to more people.”
Pongsittisak echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the company’s commitment to empowering overlooked voices. ”Not only will we bring a variety of genres and narratives to the world, but we are also committed to empowering voices that have been overlooked but are deeply passionate. We want to offer them a platform to share their personal yet universally resonant stories on screen.”
Collaborations and future projects
BASK’s strategy involves co-developing, co-financing, and co-producing projects with U.S.-based studios and producers such as Anita Gou from Kindred Spirit (“The Farewell”) and Justin Lin (“Fast & Furious” franchise). The company will also engage in international collaborations, film festivals, online platforms, and interactive media.
Following the success of “Bad Genius,” Poonpiriya directed “One for the Road,” a road trip drama shot in Thailand and New York, produced by Wong Kar-wai. The film won the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award at the Sundance Film Festival in 2022. That same year, Poonpiriya directed two episodes of the Netflix series “Thai Cave Rescue.” He is also part of Stars Collective, a talent incubator program backed by China and Los Angeles-based financier Starlight Media.
The power of storytelling
The success of “Bad Genius” (https://trailers.movieetv.com/search/bad-genius) and “One for the Road” (https://trailers.movieetv.com/search/one-for-the-road) underscores the power of storytelling in transcending cultural boundaries. These films not only captivated audiences with their compelling narratives but also showcased the richness of Thai culture and the universality of human experiences.
A platform for diverse voices
BASK’s mission to offer a platform for diverse voices is a testament to the evolving nature of the film industry. By collaborating with international producers and engaging in cross-cultural storytelling, BASK is poised to bring a new dimension to global cinema. This initiative is not just about making films; it’s about creating a space where stories that resonate universally can be told authentically.
Reflecting on the future
As BASK embarks on this exciting journey, the future of Thai cinema looks promising. The collaboration between Poonpiriya and GDH559, coupled with their commitment to diverse storytelling, is set to make a significant impact on the global stage. The world is ready to hear these stories, and BASK is ready to tell them.
the success of BASK will be measured not just by box office numbers but by the depth and authenticity of the stories it brings to life. As Poonpiriya aptly puts it, “With a louder and authentic voice, it means that I can speak for more people and to more people.” And in doing so, BASK will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the world of cinema.
