Boasting its own colourful culinary, cultural and musical traditions, Thailand's Northeastern region of Isan is packed full of creative potential that will be unlocked and uncovered at the Isan Creative Festival 2019.
Taking place from Thursday until Sunday in the spacious and multipurpose centre of TCDC Khon Kaen, the Isan Creative Festival 2019 will feature film screenings, live music, exhibitions, showcases, talks, workshops, business programmes and a market packed full of vendors, all geared toward boosting the creative industries of those living in the region.
Notable film screenings include Ten Years Thailand by indie directors Aditya Assarat, Wisit Sasanatieng, Chulayarnnon Siriphol and Apichatpong Weerasethakul. A contemplative film anthology consisting of a series of shorts, each filmmaker imagines the Kingdom a decade from now, after military rule. As Apichatpong's short is set mainly in Isan, the Palme d'Or recipient will be present for a discussion and Q&A session before the screening, which takes place on Thursday at 2pm. Only 50 seats are available.
Other highlights include "Look Isan Now" -- the first-ever exhibition held at TCDC Khon Kaen. "Look Isan Now", which runs from Thursday until May 26, invites visitors to see how the youth of Isan have found creative ways to overcome drought and economic hardship. Innovative minds explore the diverse needs of today's consumers in order to create new services and products relevant to their local areas. On Friday at 1pm there will be a talk and Q&A session regarding the exhibition, with leading local artists and designers, including Saran Yen Panya, founder of 56th Studio; Apisak Chinnakatam, designer and owner of Ubon Rachathani's the Goose Cafe & Hostel; and Floyd, street artist at Dude Factory and co-founder of YMD Art Space.
