1. Program
  2. /
  3. un.thai.tled FILM FESTIVAL BERLIN 2020
  4. /
  5. Manta Ray

Manta Ray

Phuttiphong Aroonpheng, Thailand 2018, 105 Min. Min., OV with English subs
Followed by a talk with Koen de Rooij

In a small Thai fishing village, a fisherman finds an unconscious, mute man; probably one of the many Rohinya refugees from Myanmar. The fisherman takes him home and gives him the name Thongchai. A few days later the fisherman disappears and Thongchai starts to take over his life, his home and his job. Instead of reproducing the usual media narratives about Rohingya refugees, the film portrays the complex dimensions and negotiations of power in everyday life.

After the screening there will be a discussion + Closing Party with southern Thai food

Koen de Rooij is a film programmer specialised in East and South-East Asian cinema, and a part of the IFFR Short Film selection committee since 2017. His main interest lies in the continuing influences of national borders, migration and the colonial past. He holds MA degrees in Asian Studies and Media Studies from Leiden University.