Santi-Vina

Dir: Thavi Na Bangchang
Story: Robert G. North
Scr: Thavi Na Bangchang, Vichit Kunavudhi
Cinematographer: R.D. Pestonji
Cast: Poonpan Rangkhavorn, Rayvadi Siriwilai

The first 35mm Thai feature sound film shot in colour, Santi-Vina was a revolutionary achievement in technology, art, and film history. Beautifully shot in splendid colours, it tells the story of an impossible romance between the blind boy Santi and his village sweetheart Vina, with strong cultural and religious overtones. The film was awarded Best Cinematography and Best Art Direction at the 1954 Asia Pacific Film Festival, with the King of Thailand gracing the premiere. Report damaged over 60 years ago when delivered to the British Film Institute (BFI), the original negative and soundtrack negative, as well as part of the outtakes, were found in the BFI in 2014, and release prints were found in the China Film Archive and at the Gosfilmofond in Russia by Film Archive (Public Organization), Thailand. The film was restored using the prints found in China and Russia by L’Immagine Ritrovata laboratory. The restored version is selected to screen at the Cannes Classic section of the Cannes Film Festival in 2016, making it the first Thai film honoured in the category.

Thavi Na Bangchang
Also known as Marut, Thavi Na Bangchang was a stage director and filmmaker, who debuted with patriotic Pan Tai Norasingh (1950) and melodrama Soa Krua Fah (1953).  His film Santi-Vina was the first Thai film awarded internationally, and later remade in 1976 as the film print were believed to be lost.