Garena Short Film, Competing for Excellence

Garena Short Film, Competing for Excellence

In a recent short film competition organized by Garena Online (Thailand), together with Department of Cultural Promotion (Ministry of Culture), and Major Cineplex Group, a student team from Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi was awarded the first prize, with the film entitled “I’m Possible”.

The competition saw Thailand’s leading movie directors as its judges, including Nonsi Nimitbutr. It also featured a mini-concert by a popular female singer Wan-Thanakrit Panichwit.

The first runner up prize went to a team from King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, with the film entitled “Uninstall”, while the second runner up prize went to a team from Silpakorn University, with “USER”. Popular Vote prizes went to a team from Hor Wang School.

“Garena hosted this competition in order to make a point about responsible online gaming. We would like the society to maintain an open mind when it comes to this issue,” said Maneerat Anulomsombat, Chief Operating Officer, Garena Online (Thailand).

“The theme for the competition is responsible online gaming, in which the films must portray how online game players can spend time creatively and with self-discipline. This topic benefits both the players and society at large,” she added.

The main objective, according to Maneerat, is to think outside the box and portray a positive side of responsible online gaming. “Every team member was hardworking and serious about making these short films. We believe that if all parties maintain an open mind about online gaming, they will see that it’s actually not a bad thing,” she said.

Meanwhile, Maneerat said that the market for online gaming in Thailand continues to expand at 5-10 per cent, compared to the previous year. The total market value is 6 billion baht. Next year, the market is expected to continue growing.

The company gives priority to the selection of online games for Thai players. In the near future, it plans to roll out e-sports, which aims to bring online gaming to the professional level.