The 2024 Baturu Cultural Festival started this weekend in Bangkok — but what is it?
This one-of-a-kind festival is more than just an event; it’s a movement that uses art as a tool for tackling big issues like gender inequality, mental health, and social justice. Whether you’re here to catch a heart-stirring film, join a fascinating panel discussion, or just soak up some of the lively energy, the Baturu Cultural Festival promises to challenge, inspire, and spark a conversation.
So, grab your curiosity and get ready to explore how creativity can shape the world, one story at a time!
What you need to know about the 2024 Baturu Cultural Festival
What is the 2024 Baturu Cultural Festival?
Taking place in Bangkok this year, the 2024 Baturu Cultural Festival is an arts festival celebrating women’s achievements and addressing gender-related issues through diverse, artistic mediums. Originating from the China Women’s Film Festival — the only feminist cultural festival in China — the festival has expanded into a global platform that aims to foster a dialogue on equality and women’s empowerment.
When and where is the festival held?
The festival runs from November 30 to December 9 in several venues across Bangkok.
This year’s venues are:
What artwork will be showcased?
This year’s edition features a multinational lineup of artists from Southeast Asian and South Asian countries, all participating in exhibitions, panel discussions, and performances at various venues across Bangkok.
Exhibition themes range from mental health and gender violence to advocacy for marginalised communities, among many others. The festival also features some big names in the art world, including filmmaker Devina Sofiyanti from Indonesia, who explores domestic violence through her short films, and Thai artist Thanta Laovilawanyakul, whose theatrical work aims to amplify the traditionally silenced voices of sex workers.
The festival will also feature a selection of film screenings by female creators from across the region, including God Exists, Her Name is Petrunya, which challenges gender norms in more traditional societies. Some venues will also host workshops and interactive exhibitions that aim to encourage a cultural exchange of ideas, cultivating a collective understanding of women’s challenges worldwide.
Why you should go to the Baturu Cultural Festival
The Baturu Cultural Festival is where art meets empowerment in the most inspiring way. Celebrating women’s voices through creative mediums of art, the festival dives into big issues like gender inequality, mental health, and social justice.
With thought-provoking panels, interesting exhibitions, and inspiring films, it’s a great place for cross-cultural dialogue and to witness first-hand the transformative power of creativity. By attending, you’re joining a movement that’s amplifying voices and sparking change across the Asia-Pacific region… so you definitely should!
Interview with Li Dan, founder and Adam Chen, rep. of Baturu in Thailand
And now for an exclusive interview with Li Dan, the founder and chairman of the Baturu festival, and Adam Chen, a representative of the Baturu festival in Bangkok.
What do you hope to make the focus of this year’s Baturu festival?
“This year, we’re excited to make the Baturu Festival all about building connections among female artists from nine different countries. We want to create a space for them to share their stories and bring fresh insights back to their own communities.
“We’re also working with partners like the UN to make this event even more impactful. Next year, we plan to broaden the scope by inviting artists from the EU and the US, giving Southeast Asian artists a chance to showcase their work to new audiences in the West.
“Our bigger vision is to take the festival across South and Southeast Asia, creating multi-country tours that save resources while reaching more people. Through this, we aim to highlight important social issues like domestic violence, the Me Too movement, child marriage, and challenges facing female refugees and migrant workers.
“By focusing on these topics, we hope to amplify voices that often go unheard and spark meaningful conversations around empowerment and equality.”
Adam Chen, photo via Adam Chen
Why did you choose Bangkok to host the festival in the first place outside of China?
“Well, Thailand offers quite a unique advantage for hosting international artists in this region, as it avoids the challenges posed by governmental censorship that often occurs in countries like China.
“Also, the upcoming 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995) provided us with a strong impetus to develop a network of feminist artists in Thailand, as we want to evaluate and respond to the progress made since that global framework for women’s rights.”
In your opinion, what are the ways in which art can contribute to real-world change?
“Art, in all its forms — whether that be films, comics, or anime — is a powerful tool for real-world change by raising awareness, simplifying complex issues, and promoting social virtues. It connects emotionally with audiences and humanises societal challenges.
“Ultimately, the ‘soul’ of art lies in its ability to communicate profound truths and values, empowering society to reflect, grow, and take action. By doing so, art can lead to meaningful change.”
As a man, do you get any pushback for leading a female-centric film festival?
“As male organisers, we sometimes face scepticism about leading a female-focused film festival. However, gender equality requires collective action, and men’s involvement is essential for societal progress.
“Our role is to facilitate and support, ensuring that female artists have the platform, resources, and opportunities to express their voices and drive the festival’s direction. We aim to amplify their work, not overshadow it, fostering inclusive dialogue and meaningful change.”
Could you recommend two events during the festival this year that you think people should attend?
“Sure! Two events we highly recommend this year are the documentary screenings:
- ‘Overseas’ by Sung-A Yoon: An award-winning look at the lives of Filipino domestic workers training for jobs abroad.
- ‘Tack’: Greece’s first Me Too documentary, featuring an Olympic sailor’s story of assault. Discussions will be led by a Cambodian director on related themes.
“These screenings and discussion sessions really reflect our mission to combine art with meaningful dialogue, making them festival highlights!”
Do you have any closing thoughts you would like to share?
“We really want to emphasise the importance of providing opportunities and resources for women filmmakers. With this festival, we hope to help address the underrepresentation of female directors in Asia, as there has been a lack of opportunity in this field during these past few years.
“The International Women’s Film Festival in Bangkok, once a vital platform for showcasing women’s voices in cinema, faced setbacks due to the pandemic and ceased its operations in 2021. Since then, there has been a noticeable gap in cultural events of this kind in Bangkok.
Hopefully, through festivals such as this, we can help ensure that women’s stories, perspectives, and contributions in the arts are not only seen but celebrated across the region.”
2024 Baturu Cultural Festival Bangkok FAQs
What is the Baturu Cultural Festival?
The Baturu Cultural Festival is an arts and culture event celebrating women’s empowerment through film, art, and performances, tackling issues such as gender inequality, mental health, and social justice.
When and where is the festival taking place?
The festival runs from 30th November to 9th December 2024 at various venues across Bangkok, including the Bangkok Arts and Culture Centre (BACC) and SEA Junction.
Who is behind the Baturu Cultural Festival?
Originally founded as the China Women’s Film Festival, the event has evolved into an international celebration organised with partners such as UN Women, MoviesThatMatter, and SEA Junction to promote feminist culture in the Asia-Pacific region.
What can attendees expect from the festival?
The festival features panel discussions, film screenings, interactive art exhibitions, and performances by artists and filmmakers from across South and Southeast Asia.
What themes are explored at the event?
The festival addresses themes such as gender-based violence, mental health, advocacy for marginalised communities, and the role of art in fostering social change.
Are the events free or ticketed?
Most events are free to attend, though some workshops or performances may require prior registration.
Who are some of the featured artists and speakers?
Notable participants include Indonesian filmmaker Devina Sofiyanti, who explores domestic violence in her films, and Thai artist Thanta Laovilawanyakul, who uses theatre to amplify the voices of sex workers.
Why is the festival important?
It is the only feminist cultural festival in the region, creating a platform for cross-cultural dialogue and showcasing how art can inspire social change and advocate for women’s rights.
Can men attend the festival?
Of course! The festival is open to everyone who supports gender equality and values the role of art in promoting meaningful dialogue and progress.
How can I get involved?
You can attend events, take part in panel discussions, explore the exhibitions, and engage with the artists. Keep an eye on the festival schedule for updates and registration details!
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