pHANTOMs Of NABuA (2009)

Phantoms of Nabua is an enigmatic short movie portraying the Thai town of Nabua, which is repeatedly struck by lightning. It is part of Primitive, a large-scale multi-platform installation. Primitive examines memories in Nabua, which once was the site of clashes between the totalitarian government and the communist farming communities. This led to a bloody repression by the Thai military in 1965. Nevertheless Weerasethakul’s intention is to explore the link between the past and the present. Phantoms of Nabua illustrates a communication of lights: the lights represent the comfort of home on the one hand, and destruction on the other.

Cult director Apichatpong ‘Joe’ Weerasethakul is extensively praised as one of the central figures in contemporary cinema. Weerasethakul has participated in many film festivals, notably in Cannes (2004, 2002) and Venice (2006). Moreover, he won the Cannes Golden Palm in 2010 for Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives.