The 19th Science Film Festival in Thailand celebrates best in class science communication highlighting sustainability and ecosystem restoration
Festival promotes ‘Knowledge through Entertainment’ by making science fun and accessible to a broader Thai audience.
BANGKOK, Thailand, 20 November 2023 – The Goethe-Institut, together with the Institute for the Promotion of Teaching Science & Technology (IPST), the National Science Museum Thailand and Rolls-Royce, announce the return of the much anticipated 19th Science Film Festival to Thailand with screenings from now until 20 December at various locations throughout the country. The Science Film Festival will feature 34 films from 19 countries, all are dubbed in Thai to provide seamless access without language barriers.
The festival is hailed as a celebration of science communication that promotes science literacy and facilitates awareness of contemporary scientific, technological and environmental issues through international films. These films present scientific advances and issues in an accessible and entertaining way to appeal to a youthful audience. Film screenings are also accompanied by interactive workshops and other educational activities to inform and inspire future generations.
Johannes Hossfeld, Director of the Goethe-Institut Thailand, said “The 19th Science Film Festival in Thailand is aiming to promote knowledge through entertainment by making science fun and accessible to a broader Thai audience. The festival has always been very well received and this year the event is expected to reach over half a millionviewers in Thailand, making it one of the largest film festival audiences in terms of viewership. I encourage everyone to join us this year and enjoy the best in international science communication.”
The Science Film Festival is an official supporting partner of the United Nations’ ‘Decade on Ecosystem Restoration’ that calls for the protection and revival of natural environments, habitats and ecosystems worldwide. The 19th Science Film Festival is committed to highlighting the importance of an integrated ecosystem approach for sustainable global development.
Sustainability and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education are key for Thailand’s future economic growth. Dr. Bicky Bhangu, President of Rolls-Royce South-East Asia, Pacific and South Korea, said that sustainability is inherent to the company’s strategy, and it is also committed to advancing STEM education to develop the capabilities of people in the communities and economies where it operates.
“Rolls-Royce is delighted to be a partner of the Science Film Festival in Thailand for the second year in a row; and to do our part for local communities. We are passionate about raising awareness around the theme of sustainability in STEM fields because study and work in science benefits all sections of society”.
“Our global STEM target is to reach 25 million people through quality STEM education by 2030. Rolls-Royce’s partnership with the Science Film Festival in Thailand and Southeast Asia can help us make meaningful inroads towards achieving this goal.”
Thailand is moving towards an innovation driven economy focused on automation, artificial intelligence and smart technology, making STEM education more important than ever before. Since 2014 the size of Thailand’s science and technology workforce has increased by a fifth, from around 1.7 million to over 2 million by 2021, according to Thailand’s Board of Investment.
Associate Professor Dr. Thiradet Jiarasuksakun, President of The Institute for the Promotion of Teaching Science and Technology (IPST) said, “The theme of the 19th Science Film Festival ‘REIMAGINE RECREATE RESTORE’ was created to raise awareness and promote involvement in environmental conservation. On behalf of IPST, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the organizing personnel and partner organizations for the contribution to the 19th Science Film Festival. IPST looks forward to our continued
cooperation.”
Asst. Prof. Dr. Rawin Rawiwong, President National Science Museum Thailand said, “The 19th Science Film Festival 2023 features a wide range of intriguing films that tell stories related to science and technology. These films promote awareness and understanding of the importance of ecosystem management. I believe it will provide inspiration to all viewers and have a significant impact on the sustainability of our ecosystem in the future.
“Screenings take place at NSTDA Thailand Science Park, Thai Film Archive, National Science Museum Thailand, City Learning Park Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand Knowledge Park (TK Park) and at 18 Science Centers for Education throughout the country (in Ayutthaya, Ekkamai, Kanchanaburi, Khon Kaen, Lampang, Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, Pattani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Pitsanulok, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Roi Et, Sa Kaeo, Trang, Ubon Ratchathani and Yala) during the festival period.
Throughout the festival, there are also STEM activities organised for students. One of these is a Rolls-Royce ‘STEM in Aerospace’ talk on the science and engineering applications in aerospace at TK park on 18th November.
For more information on each film please visit www.goethe.de/sciencefilmfestival
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