Apichatpong Weerasethakul

Apichatpong Weerasethakul is a singular and distinctive artist and filmmaker. All his films and artworks are set in his native Thailand. Often non-linear and with a strong sense of dislocation, his works deal with memory, subtly addressing personal politics and social issues. Working independently of the Thai commercial film industry, he is active in promoting experimental and independent filmmaking through his company Kick the Machine.

BFI Gallery in London is presenting the UK premiere of Apichatpong’s single screen work Phantoms of Nabua from 14 May.  Described by the artist as ‘a portrait of home’ the installation creates a real-time, yet hypnotic and other worldly experience.

The directors most recent feature film Uncle Boonmee who can Recall his Past Lives (Lung Boonmee Raluek Chat) has been selected for competition at Cannes International Film Festival 2010.  Part of Weerasethakul’s multi-platform Primitive project, the film follows the story of Uncle Boonmee who is suffering from acute kidney failure, as he spends his last days in the countryside surrounded by his loved ones. Here Apichatpong talks about the stories and influences that inspired the film.