Thai Film “The Undertaker” Shires at Berlin’s Humboldt Forum
A Night of Thai Cinema: “The Undertaker” Mesmerizes Berlin Audience
August 20th, 2024
On the evening of Saturday, August 17, 2024, the prestigious Humboldt Forum in Berlin came alive with the sights and sounds of Thailand. At 8:00 p.m., Dr. Nadhavathna Krishnamra, Thailand's Ambassador to Germany, along with his spouse and embassy officials, attended a special screening of the acclaimed Thai film "The Undertaker." The event took place in the Schlüter Courtyard, with distinguished guests such as Prof. Dr. Lars-Christian Koch, Director of the Ethnological Museum and the Museum of Asian Art, Berlin, and Prof. Dr. Hartmut Dorgerloh, General Director of the Humboldt Forum, also in attendance.
This screening was a highlight of the "Box Office Around the World" festival, held from August 16 to 31, 2024. The festival showcased six popular films from various countries, none of which had yet been shown in German cinemas. This year’s selection, curated by Ms. Dorothee Wenner, Film Curator at the Humboldt Forum, in collaboration with representatives of Berlin's international communities, featured cinematic works from Argentina, Brazil, India, Nigeria, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Prior to the screening, a thought-provoking panel discussion was held, featuring prominent figures such as Ms. Elisabeth Schönberger, influencer and co-founder of the Facebook page “Phorbangerman,” Mr. Patrice Ladwig, anthropologist and sociologist, Ms. Parichat Phai, coordinator of Ban Ying Association, and Mr. Eric Wrede, a German undertaker. Moderated by Ms. Dorothee Wenner, the panel delved into the unique roles of undertakers in Thailand and Germany, as well as the rich tapestry of Thai funeral culture, with a particular focus on local traditions in Thailand's Northeastern region. As part of the cultural exchange, the Thai Embassy generously provided attendees with complimentary Thai tea and herbal drinks, adding a delightful touch to the evening.
Directed by the 28-year-old rising star Thiti Tong-Tae, "The Undertaker" was released in late 2023 and quickly became a cinematic sensation in Thailand. The film shattered records, becoming the highest-grossing movie in the country in nine years, with box office earnings exceeding 730 million baht (approximately 19 million euros). It also garnered critical acclaim, winning the Best Picture award from the Thai Film Directors Association. "The Undertaker" is a gripping horror film that tells the story of Thonglor, a temple undertaker in a rural village who finds himself confronted with eerie supernatural events. The film masterfully blends suspense with a deep reflection of Thai life, traditions, and cultural practices, particularly those in the Northeastern region of the country.
The screening of "The Undertaker" at the Humboldt Forum not only celebrated Thai cinema but also fostered cross-cultural understanding, offering the German audience a glimpse into the rich and diverse traditions of Thailand.
