The rush of films inspired by the dramatic rescue of 12 boys and their football coach from a flooded cave in Thailand has now expanded to encompass six, plus a documentary, and a government committee has been set up to co-ordinate and oversee the planned productions.
According to the Thai newspaper the Nation, Thailand’s culture minister, Vira Rojpojchanarat, said: “Five international film production companies have proposed to the Commerce and Foreign ministries that they make a movie and a documentary about the rescue operation.” Variety magazine has reported a sixth production is in the works, from Thai-based outfit DeWarrenne Productions.
The minister also announced the formation of a special committee by Thailand’s national film board to oversee accuracy and ensure minimal enviromental impact. “The committees will be concerned about the accuracy of the story, the rights of the [team], the rescuers and other related agencies, as well as the image of Thailand. They will also be concerned about the impact of film production to the film locations ... We are pleased to support both Thai and international film productions to make a movie and documentary on Mu Pa [Wild Boars football team] if they follow Thai laws.”
No details of the productions were given by Rojpojchanarat, but reports swiftly emerged after the rescue operation of two American films that were already up and running: an “inspirational” drama planned by God’s Not Dead faith-based producers Pure Flix, and a project announced by Crazy Rich Asians director Jon Chu in an angry tweet in which he stated: “I refuse to let Hollywood #whitewashout the Thai Cave rescue story!”
The only known domestic production is headed by Thai-Irish producer-director Tom Waller, who Variety reports is working on a film that will “focus on the Thai elements and the unsung heroes”. Waller said: “The kids had no idea that the world’s eyes were watching. They even assumed they would have to ride their bikes home when they got out of the cave.”
