“Wankerd (The Other Side) ” is a 42-minute short film that tells the story of a single mother in Chiang Mai, struggling with life’s challenges and the grief of losing her child. The film explores how the ancient Lanna ritual “Wankerd” may offer her a path to healing.

Produced by Film Space, in collaboration with CEA Chiang Mai, the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology at Maejo University, and the Friends Without Borders Foundation, the film was directed by award-winning short film director Chawang Chaiyawan, written by Natthan Krungsri, and produced by Kringkarn Jaroenkul. Professor Sanan Thamthi, a noted Lanna writer and historian, served as a script advisor and also appeared in the film.

Photo Credit: Film Space

What makes this project unique is not only the collaboration of seasoned filmmakers, scholars, and Lanna cultural experts, but also the involvement of youth from Chiang Mai. Many of these young participants had no prior film production experience but joined the project through the Film Lab initiative. Film Lab is a program that helps nurture the filmmaking talents of youth in Northern Thailand, offering hands-on experience and mentorship with professionals.

A Conversation with Kringkarn Jaroenkul

The project’s producer, Kringkarn Jaroenkul, shared insights into the Film Lab program, which is now in its second year in collaboration with CEA Chiang Mai. The program was designed to provide youth from Northern Thailand, interested in the film industry, with the opportunity to learn filmmaking from professionals. This year, the program invited youth to directly participate in the creation of a film, understanding every step of the production process.

Photo Credit: Film Space

Out of nearly 100 applicants, 15 youth were selected based on their interest in specific film production roles, attitudes, and availability. These participants received hands-on training and joined the film shoot in August. Kringkarn expressed joy over the enthusiasm of the youth, noting that many of them stayed longer than required, demonstrating their genuine desire to be part of the filmmaking process.

Photo Credit: Film Space

Youth Participants Share Their Experiences.Tee-Teerapong Wang-Ngon, a student from the Faculty of Fine Arts and Architecture at Lanna Rajabhat University, served as an assistant camera operator. He expressed how working on a film set was not just about technical skills but also teamwork and problem-solving under pressure. This experience was new and exciting for him.

Grace-Preeyaporn Chukiatngam, a student from San Sai Witthayakhom School, worked as a “Continuer,” ensuring the continuity of the film. She was surprised to discover how many roles contribute to a film’s success and felt proud of the crucial part she played.

Kaojao-Thipwimon Suwannakorns, worked in the Costume and Makeup department, where she learned how all aspects of production—from lighting and atmosphere to acting and costumes—must align to tell a cohesive story.

Kringkarn reflected on the significance of this project, emphasizing that while directors, cinematographers, and screenwriters often get the spotlight in filmmaking, every crew member’s role is equally essential. This program aimed to show the youth that a career in film doesn’t just mean becoming a director. There are many other critical roles, such as location scouts, assistant directors, and continuity workers, that are just as valuable.

Through this initiative, Kringkarn hopes the youth will gain an appreciation for teamwork and recognize the potential to turn their skills into a future career in the film industry. The project also aims to spark individual interests and passions among the youth, inspiring them to pursue specific aspects of filmmaking.

“Wankerd” will be screening again at the Chiang Mai Design Week 2024! You can catch this heartfelt short film on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at the Auditorium, 1st Floor, TCDC Chiang Mai from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM.