Meet the Master: Kounavudhi
An exhibition on the life and work of Vichit Kounavudhi, master of realism and one of the greatest Thai film directors.
The Portrait of Vichit Kounavudhi by Manit Sriwanichpoom (1988) by Thai Film ArchiveThai Film Archive
The Beginning
Vichit Kounavudhi was born on January 23, 1922, in Chachoengsao. He began his career as a writer and journalist, before becoming one of Thailand's most respected filmmakers with over 30 films made between 1955 to 1989.
Vichit Kounavudhi at Golden Doll Award by Thai Film ArchiveThai Film Archive
Popularly known as "Kounavudhi", he made a distinction of being a writer-director who won 21 national film awards, more than any other Thai filmmaker. He also won 6 other film awards in his career. Kounavudhi is nicknamed "the richest man in awards".
Mue Jone (The Bandit’s Hand) (1961)Thai Film Archive
His directorial debut was a 1950 film set in the mountains called Pa Reesor. Starting off as a studio hire, Kounavudhi began producing his own film in 1961. Mue Jone (Hand of Thief) lost money at the box-office, but it won him his first national film award.
Collection of film poster by Kounavudhi (1965) by Thai Film ArchiveThai Film Archive
Laemthong Films
Kounavudhi set up Laemthong Films and started produced his own movies. But the first two releases were flops. Realizing that Thai audiences preferred easily digestible movies, he made Miss Poradok (1964), a hit romantic comedy that helped clear off his debts.
Kounavudhi Couples 02Thai Film Archive
Commerce vs Art
Kounavudhi continued to make films for the popular market, though he always kept his high standard of filmmaking. Calling his films "commercial art", he understood the need to satisfy the audiences despite his ambition to make more artistic films.
Vichit Kounavudhi editing the film by Thai Film ArchiveThai Film Archive
And yet Kounavudhi's "commercial movies" distinguished themselves from most Thai films of the same period, as he focused on human drama and highly observed characters.
The Portrait of Vichit Kounavudhi by Manit Sriwanichpoom (1988) by Thai Film ArchiveThai Film Archive
While he understood the necessity of making market-driven films, Kounavudhi never abandoned his dream of making films that probe all the beauty and sadness, the joy and misery of humanity. He could only smuggle some of those ideas into his "commercial films".
Poster of Mountain People (Khon Pukhao) (1979) by Thai Film ArchiveThai Film Archive
In 1979, Kounavudhi's martial drama Mia Luang (My Dear Wife) became a huge financial success. This enabled him to pursue his dream of making a more serious film called Khon Pukhao (Mountain People).
Behind the scene of Khon Pukhao (Mountain People) 01 (1979) by Thai Film ArchiveThai Film Archive
The film tells the story of hill-tribal people in the northern mountains of Thailand. Kounavudhi spent months researching and living in remote villages to make sure that his portrayal of their life was as realistic as possible.
Behind the scene of Khon Pukhao (Mountain People) 01 (1979) by Thai Film ArchiveThai Film Archive
Despite starring newcomers, Mountain People became another huge success, beloved by audiences and critics alike. Kounavudhi won several national film awards and also an international prize from a competition in Singapore.
Behind the scene of Son of the Northeast by Thai Film ArchiveThai Film Archive
The success of Mountain People inspired Kouvavudhi to make another honest, anthropologically realistic film called Luk Isan (Sons of the Northeast). He traveled around the Northeast to conduct research and audition actors, determined to use a documentary style in the film.
Poster of Son of the Northeast by Thai Film ArchiveThai Film Archive
Sons of the Northeast stood out for its unconventional narrative form, which offers no clear plot but focuses on observing the lives of its characters -- namely poor farmers grappling with drought. It is often hailed as one of the best Thai films ever made.
Kounavudhi couples 01 by Thai Film ArchiveThai Film Archive
Partner in life
Thongpond Komolpit was Kounavudhi's wife, producer, supporter and staunch partner in all his ventures. She ran the company, did the account, managed film sets, and fought through all the ups and downs. Kounavudhi's success was also Thongpond's success.
Paint portrait of Kounavudhi by Thai Film ArchiveThai Film Archive
Kounavudhi was the first film director to be honored National Artist. But more than awards and honors, Kounavudhi was an esteemed mentor respected by everyone in the film industry.
Kounavudhi 101 Exchibition (2024-02-24) by Thai Film ArchiveThai Film Archive
The Thai Film Archive preserves a collection of Kounavudhi's films, cameras, props, scripts, notes, diaries, desks, and other personal belonging. In 2024, the on-site exhibition on the life and work of Vichit Kounavudhi is on display at the Thai Film Archive.
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