Art exhibitions this August
What the Doc! (WTD!) – Thailand's first-ever international documentary film festival – isn't here to play by the rules. In fact, it wants to rip them up entirely. Running from August 22-31, this inaugural edition promises something thrillingly unpolished: real stories told by filmmakers who aren't interested in being polite.
18 documentaries – six Thai, 12 international – will go head-to-head for top honours, and not a single one is here for background noise. These are bold, opinionated, often unpredictable works, picked from a staggering 1,599 submissions. They're not just 'in' competition – they 'are' the competition. No streaming, no replays, no safety nets. You show up or you miss out.
There's serious money on the line, too. Feature and short-length winners will walk away with B200,000 in their back pockets, with a jury prize of B180,000 close behind. There's also B100,000 waiting for the best female director, and another for the film that goes greenest – because yes, apparently saving the planet is also a genre now.
The brains behind this ambitious move? Documentary Club with support from THACCA, the Department of Cultural Promotion, the Ministry of Culture of Thailand, Chamnong Rangsikun Foundation, Koh-Kae and White Light Studio. Together, they're less interested in prestige and more in possibility – hoping to map out the sprawling, strange, deeply human landscape of documentary filmmaking in its most varied forms.
Is it the next Sundance? We don't know. But What the Doc! is about to make Thailand's documentary scene less National Geographic, more 'hold my beer'. And honestly, thank God.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
10 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Famous actress sexually assaulted on treatment table at Soho massage parlour in ‘terrifying' ordeal
HORROR ATTACK Famous actress sexually assaulted on treatment table at Soho massage parlour in 'terrifying' ordeal Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A STAR was sexually assaulted on a treatment table at a Soho massage parlour in a "terrifying" ordeal. The actress was attacked by Sundaralingam Koodalingam, who groped her while she was getting treatment. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up Koodalingam, 36, who came to the country from the Maldives in 2021, also intimately touched the woman during the horror attack. He has now been jailed for four years after he was convicted of assault by penetration and sexual assault. Sentencing, Mr Recorder Jeremy Brier KC said: "[The victim] describes it as a violation. She describes having panic attacks, and says that she cannot relax in public spaces since the incident has taken place. "She was naked, vulnerable, and entirely trusting in your professionalism and integrity. "This offence is so serious that only a custodial sentence can be justified." Southwark Crown Court heard the woman, who is also a singer, visited the Thai massage parlour in London in 2023. While she was lying on the table, Koodalingam touched her breasts and sexually assaulted her. In a victim impact statement, she told how she was left unable to work following the attack and needs regular therapy sessions. She added: "I found it difficult to talk to friends about what had happened. I don't want to use the words necessary to explain what he did to me." "Imagine the sentence 'At least he didn't rape you' being the silver lining. "Ultimately, I am fundamentally changed by the incident. The actions of the defendant left me sad and untrusting of people. "I don't know if I will ever get back to who I was before that day. "He has taken away my trust, and my innocence, and my ability to give anyone, especially a stranger who happens to be a man the benefit of the doubt." The court was told Koodalingam came to the UK under the sponsorship of a "legitimate business in the Cotswolds". He is originally from the Maldives but was educated in India.
Wales Online
12 hours ago
- Wales Online
MasterChef chaos as BBC bosses 're-edit new series to reduce host's screen time'
MasterChef chaos as BBC bosses 're-edit new series to reduce host's screen time' BBC show MasterChef will return to screens this evening after BBC bosses confirmed that the programme would be still broadcasted despite complaints from viewers MasterChef is scheduled to return to BBC One on Wednesday (August 6) after bosses reportedly made a last-minute effort to re-edit the programme and reduce screen time for its hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode. Both Wallace and Torode have left the BBC cookery programme amid allegations of serious misconduct since the latest series was filmed. The MasterChef duo, who have helmed the show since 2005, were dismissed in rapid succession. Wallace was let go after more than 45 complaints against him were substantiated following a BBC inquiry. Australian chef Torode also lost his position after two decades amid claims he employed a racial slur, which he maintains he has "absolutely no recollection" of using, reports the Express. BBC in last minute scramble to limit Gregg Wallace and John Torode MasterChef appearance (Image: BBC) ITV This Morning star showered in support after sharing career move READ MORE: The BBC has chosen to proceed with broadcasting the latest pre-recorded series despite objections from broadcasting union Bectu, which argued that inappropriate conduct should not be "rewarded with prime-time coverage". Meanwhile, BBC insiders reportedly informed The i that they acknowledge some viewers may choose not to watch the series. The fresh series showcases amateur cooks competing for a quarter-final spot in their quest to claim the prestigious trophy. It is accessible for viewing on BBC iPlayer now. One participant, Sarah Shafi, will be absent from the programme after she raised concerns about Gregg Wallace's conduct. Gregg Wallace and John Torode appear in the new series of MasterChef (Image: BBC) Banijay UK, the production firm responsible for MasterChef, informed the BBC they possessed no documentation of Ms Shafi voicing concerns about Mr Wallace's behaviour at the time. They additionally stated they discovered no supporting evidence for her allegations in unedited material. Tonight's MasterChef episode features six hopeful contestants battling it out in the kitchen. Vocal coach Beth, 40, revealed she was inspired to cook by her friend's father, a trained chef who taught her culinary skills. Gemma, 42, was born in Hong Kong and raised in Singapore and Malaysia before relocating to Manchester and subsequently London. She confessed that after moving to the UK, she missed Malaysian cuisine so intensely that it "physically hurt". Recruiter and Thai boxing instructor Gon, 26, from Coventry, is determined to overcome a childhood kitchen disaster to claim victory in the competition. Six contestants are set to compete on MasterChef tonight (Image: BBC) New Zealand-born writer Penelope, 70, now residing in Dorset, confessed she simply can't "resist a challenge". Digital marketing manager Shaun, 28, revealed his parents first placed him in the kitchen when he was just nine years old. Meanwhile, marketing coordinator Thea, 28, shared her aspiration of one day owning her own restaurant. Article continues below Regarding their choice to broadcast the new series, the BBC stated: "This has not been an easy decision in the circumstances and we appreciate not everyone will agree with it. "In showing the series, which was filmed last year, it in no way diminishes our view of the seriousness of the upheld findings against both presenters. We have been very clear on the standards of behaviour that we expect of those who work at the BBC or on shows made for the BBC." MasterChef is available to watch on BBC iPlayer now
Time Out
14 hours ago
- Time Out
The best things to do with Mum on Mother's Day
Sometimes, the best gift is simply time well spent. Now's your chance to give your mum what she truly deserves – your full presence, shared over a slow afternoon tea. Just the two of you, talking, laughing and reconnecting. And Bangkok offers plenty of lovely settings to make those quiet moments feel extra special. At The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok, the 'Adore Afternoon Tea for Mom' invites you to enjoy delicate savouries, Thai-inspired desserts and buttery scones with views of Lumphini Park. To make the day even more meaningful, you and your mum can join a ' Phuang Malai' workshop to craft a jasmine garland together, complete with beaded letter charms as a lasting keepsake. Taking place from August 9–17, the experience is priced from B1,600. If chocolate is her love language, InterContinental Bangkok has teamed up with acclaimed chef Lawrence Bobo to offer an indulgent tea set. Expect grilled chicken with avocado, chocolate framboise tarts and hazelnut royales. Served at the Balcony Lounge, the set starts at B1,100 for one or B1,990 for two.
