Solids by the Seashore, set against a Southern Thai coastal town, tells the story of two young women who cross their paths on a beach that was once sandy but now stands eroded by high tides and replaced by artificial rock seawalls. Shati, a local Muslim woman from a conservative family, encounters Fon, a former activist turned visual artist visiting for her new art exhibition. As they talk more, Shati grapples with an internal conflict stemming from her traditional upbringing, which prohibits same-sex relationships. Torn between fear and longing, she is compelled to revisit the cautionary tales of her childhood. Amidst this turmoil, Shati experiences strange occurrences reminiscent of the tales her grandmother used to tell, prompting her to confront her own identity and make an important decision about her future.
During our conversation, Patiparn Boontarig, the director of the aforementioned film, talked about the inspiration behind his film and the themes it explores. From the environmental impact of seawalls to the complexities of LGBTQIA+ identity in Thailand, Boontarig gave insights into his creative process and the careful balance he sought to achieve in portraying these topics. Through discussions on casting, cinematography, and the film’s potential impact, Boontarig offered a broad look at the making of Solids by the Seashore and its significance within Thai society.
![Image courtesy of Patiparn Boontarig Image courtesy of Patiparn Boontarig](https://viewofthearts.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/patiparn-1-1.jpg?w=950)
View of the Arts: Can you share with us the inspiration behind Solids by the Seashore and what drew you to this particular story?
Patiparn Boontarig: The inspiration behind the film dates back twelve years ago, during the production of a documentary focusing on the emergence of seawalls along Thailand’s coastlines. While these structures were intended to safeguard the beaches, they paradoxically exacerbated environmental concerns. During this period, I had the opportunity to interview a local mayor who vehemently opposed the government’s plans to expand these seawalls. Tragically, shortly after our interview, he was fatally shot—an event that deeply affected me.
The mayor’s courageous stance in defence of the local environment left an impression on me, prompting me to explore this issue further in my debut feature film. Reflecting on the parallels between the seawall structures and human existence, I realised how our instinct to protect ourselves can inadvertently lead to further harm. Just as the construction of seawalls exacerbated erosion, our attempts to shield ourselves from societal pressures often result in emotional barriers.
For instance, individuals grappling with same-gender attraction may feel compelled to conceal their true selves behind metaphorical walls. However, there comes a moment when one must confront the choice between perpetuating these barriers or embracing authenticity. This dynamic serves as a metaphor within the narrative of Solids by the Seashore, particularly in relation to the protagonist, Shanti, and her internal struggles.
VOA: Solids by the Seashore explores themes of tradition, identity, and self-discovery. How did you approach balancing these themes within the storyline?
PB: Being a part of the LGBTQIA+ community can be a sensitive issue in Thailand, where it remains a minority group. Additionally, in the southern regions of Thailand, there is also a Muslim minority. So, when writing the script, I aimed to strike a delicate balance between addressing both perspectives. While some may argue that my narrative plays it too safe, I also had to consider potential negative reactions from the Muslim community to a film that is too radical in its portrayal of LGBTQIA subjects. Therefore, having Muslim actress Ilada Pitsuwan and Muslim co-writer Kalil Pitsuwan on board helped me write a narrative that tackles both the issue of the seawall and LGBTQIA+ themes in a balanced manner.
VOA: Can you share your experience working with Ilada Pitsuwan? She’s not only known as a respected journalist and anchor but also took on the role of Shati as her first acting endeavour, all while being Muslim.
PB: Ilada, who comes from a Muslim background, expressed her sincere desire to be part of this film and to convey its message. While she approached the project with careful consideration, I assured her not to worry and granted her creative freedom regarding her character portrayal and objectives. I encouraged her to voice any concerns she had and empowered her to make changes or adjustments to parts of the script she deemed too risky. Ultimately, my priority was to ensure she felt comfortable with the story we aimed to bring to the screen.
We enlisted the expertise of an acting coach before filming commenced, and we engaged in extensive rehearsals to prepare. Ilada demonstrated remarkable adaptability, learning as she went along and delivering a good performance. Additionally, we talked a lot about her character, ensuring she felt fully equipped to embody it convincingly on set.
VOA: Shati’s relationship with Fon is central to the narrative. How did you work with the actors to develop the dynamic between these two characters?
PB: It all began with the audition process. Given our strong desire for Ilada to be part of the film, her inclusion was predetermined. Thus, our focus shifted to finding the right actress to complement Shati’s character, which led us to audition for the role of Fon. Inviting Ilada to participate in the auditions allowed her to gauge her comfort level with potential co-stars. When we discovered Rawipa Srisanguan, Ilada immediately felt at ease with her. As mentioned earlier, extensive rehearsals were conducted to ensure everything fell into place during filming. We had detailed discussions about character dynamics and scene execution, allowing both actresses to express their preferences. On set, I encouraged them to embody their roles authentically, intervening only when necessary, such as during challenging scenes where additional takes were required.
VOA: The cinematography in Solids by the Seashore is really beautiful. Can you share insights into your visual approach and how it complements the storytelling?
PB: The film’s subject matter addresses sensitive topics in Thailand, depending on the region. Whether it’s environmental issues or LGBTQIA+ themes, it was crucial to have cinematography that complemented the narrative effectively. Given the coastal setting, it was essential to visually capture the dynamics of the beach and its surroundings, aligning with the storyline. Collaborating with Benjamaporn Rattanaraungdetch, the cinematographer, and Nisarat Meechok, the editor, was paramount. Nisarat’s personal connection to the narrative has definitely helped her to bring this film together as well.
VOA: Looking ahead, what aspects of Solids by the Seashore do you foresee resonating with audiences, and what impact do you hope it will have? Considering Thailand’s progressive stance on LGBTQIA+ rights, what are your thoughts on how the film will influence both the LGBTQIA+ community and society at large?
PB: While Bangkok may be considered liberal, it’s important to acknowledge the presence of a Muslim minority in the southern regions of the country. I aim to shed light on this minority community in a different perspective. Moreover, my intention is to raise awareness about the LGBTQIA+ community, emphasising that its members exist everywhere, irrespective of religion or upbringing. Through my film, I hope to create a platform for introspection, encouraging viewers to contemplate their own identities.
Written and interviewed by Maggie Gogler
38th BFI FLARE: LONDON LGBTQIA+ FILM FESTIVAL 2024 Takes Place 13 – 24 March at BFI Southbank and on BFI Player
View of the Arts is an online publication that chiefly deals with films, music, and art, with an emphasis on the Asian entertainment industry. We are hoping our audience will grow with us as we begin to explore new platforms such as K-pop / K-music, and Asian music in general, and continue to dive into the talented and ever-growing scene of film, music, and arts, worldwide.