For those who loved The Artist
POP AYE
A film by Kirsten Tan
Cast: Penpak Sirikul, Thanet Warakulnukroh

Thailand, Singapore | 2017 | 104 min | Drama, Comedy | Not Rated
Thai with English subtitles

A successful Bangkok architect in the midst of a midlife crisis is reunited with an elephant he knew growing up. The two embark on a road trip to the man's childhood home in the idyllic Thai countryside. Along the way, they meet a colorful cast of characters that includes a pair of nonplussed local police officers, a forlorn transgender sex worker, and a mysteriously wise drifter. As the encounters mount and the bond between man and elephant deepens, filmmaker Kirsten Tan weaves a strikingly universal tale in this feature debut that won prizes (and hearts) at the Sundance and Rotterdam Film Festivals.

Screenplay: Kirsten Tan
Producer(s): Wenhong Huang, Zhang Jianbin, Weijie Lai, Deng Li
Cinematography: Chanananun Chotrungroj
Music: Matthew James Kelly
Editing: Lee Chatametikool

2017 Sundance Film Festival: Won, Screenwriting Award
2017 Rotterdam International Film Festival: Won, Big Screen Award
2017 Sydney Film Festival: Official Selection

“An assured and noteworthy feature debut.” – Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter | full review

“Warm yet unsentimental, graced with the lightest touch of surrealism, this opening-night offering from Sundance’s world cinema dramatic competition is a joy.” – Maggie Lee, Variety | full review

“Soft and sweet, Kirsten Tan's bright and airy debut is also quietly eloquent, speaking of a loss and regret which is by nature very specifically Thai but should find wider play.” - Fionnuala Halligan, Screen Daily | full review