Agrarian Utopia

  • 122'
  • Thailand
  • 2009
At first sight, Agrarian Utopia is a pure documentary, but the underlying aims of the film slowly unfold underneath that - almost like a trap, even though it was not the aim to lead the viewer astray. Thanks to the way in which the film maker tells his story about the countryside and the disappearance of traditional working methods, it looks as if what you see always was and always will be. That is what he would like, but he knows better.
In order to show how a muddy rice paddy is tilled throughout the seasons, he even rented a piece of land. He offered local farmers the yield if they would work it in the traditional way. Without machines, without electricity. It looks so ordinary, yet it is fiction.
The farmer's neighbour isn't a farmer. He's called 'the professor' and he has his very own ideas. His philosophical way of growing rice evokes amazement everywhere.
The film was shot in the north of Thailand in the region where the film maker grew up. In this regard it is also an autobiographical film. Certainly not a political pamphlet, although it is a plea for a respectful attitude to nature. Yes, that sounds utopian and growing rice in a utopian way looks wonderful. (GjZ)

  • 122'
  • Thailand
  • 2009
Director
Uruphong Raksasad
Premiere
World premiere
Country of production
Thailand
Year
2009
Festival Edition
IFFR 2009
Length
122'
Medium
Betacam Digi PAL
Language
Thai
Producer
Pimpaka Towira
Production Company
Extra Virgin Co. Ltd.
Sales
Extra Virgin Co. Ltd.
Screenplay
Uruphong Raksasad
Cinematography
Uruphong Raksasad
Editor
Uruphong Raksasad
Sound Design
Kriangsak Wittaya-aniwat
Cast
Prayad Jumma
Local Distributor
Hubert Bals Fund
Website
http://www.extravirginco.com/wp/?p=408
Director
Uruphong Raksasad
Premiere
World premiere
Country of production
Thailand
Year
2009
Festival Edition
IFFR 2009
Length
122'
Medium
Betacam Digi PAL
Language
Thai
Producer
Pimpaka Towira
Production Company
Extra Virgin Co. Ltd.
Sales
Extra Virgin Co. Ltd.
Screenplay
Uruphong Raksasad
Cinematography
Uruphong Raksasad
Editor
Uruphong Raksasad
Sound Design
Kriangsak Wittaya-aniwat
Cast
Prayad Jumma
Local Distributor
Hubert Bals Fund
Website
http://www.extravirginco.com/wp/?p=408