3 Friends is one of three Thai films that are competing in the final round of the ASEAN competition out of 12 at the Bangkok International Film Festival. The documentary drama was the festival favorite following sucessful screening at the Toronto International Film Festival and the Pusan International Film Festival in 2005. 3 Friends is directed by three director friends, Mingmongkol Sonakul, Adita Assara and Pumin Chinaradee. The movie focuses on the private life of Thai actress Napakpapah “Mamee” Nakprasit and her two real-life friends Yo and Belle. Before we find out whether 3 Friends is a hit or a miss, we chat with co-director Pumin Chinaradee.

Why did you need three directors for 3 Friends?
We are friends. I took pictures and worked on cinematography for Adita and Mingmongkol before. They called me after they started the film. In fact, I don’t really think I was a director. I worked on the cinematography mostly.

What was it like making 3 Friends?
We didn’t really work from a script. We had main plots and then we improvised details on the set. So, we had to sit down and talk often to contribute our ideas about how we wanted the film to be. We had to take long shots for only one scene. It was fun. We didn’t know exactly what we were going to end up with.

The film shows the private life of the actress Mamee. Did you think it was too personal and would only attract a limited audience?
No. I think it’s a movie that everybody can enjoy. The main theme is about the relationship between Mamee and her best friends. In fact, Yo and Belle were Mamee’s best friends when she was young. And they hadn’t seen each other for a long time. The film's fun and lovely.

3 Friends is one of three Thai films that have made it into the final round of the ASEAN competition. How do you feel about that?
I was thrilled though we didn’t make the film to compete in any competitions. We made the film because we had a story to tell and we wanted to do it. If someone is interested in seeing our film, that’s enough for us.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a documentary called Friendship. It’s about the relationship of tsunami volunteers who have lived together and worked together. I joined a group and filmed them. The volunteers consisted of various kinds of people. Some people weren’t serious about working there. They just wanted to take a trip and get free airplane tickets.

That sounds interesting. Will it be on the big screen?
I don’t know yet. Like I said, I just want to make it and if someone wants to see it, I’m satisfied.