Previous organisers, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will take a backseat this year, and let the Federation of National Film Associations of Thailand run the event.
The Federation is a private organisation representing various sectors of the Thai film industry. Its president, Jaruek Kanjaruek, will hold the title of festival president and oversee all administrative aspects of the event.
TAT will continue to fund this year's event, but not as the full sponsor as with previous editions. The festival will also receive financial support from the public and private sectors.
TAT's former governor, Juthamas Siriwan, was recently implicated in a corruption scandal relating to the BKKIFF that is being investigated by the FBI in the US. She has denied the allegations.
Yongyoot Thongkongtoon will serve as the BKKIFF's artistic director. He is president of the Thai Film Directors Association, a member of the Federation.
'We'll make a fresh start this year - to make the festival more beneficial to the Thai film industry and Thai film lovers. The focus will be on films, not tourism,' said Yongyoot.
The festival has also appointed two core programming staff: Pimpaka Towira, who previously held the role of programming director at the 2001 Bangkok Film Festival organised by The Nation Group, and Mai Meksawan who was with BKKIFF's programming and screening from 2004 - 2007.
The festival will showcase approximately 100 films. The Golden Kinnaree Awards will be presented in two competition sections for international and ASEAN films.
The organisers will announce later the specific dates in September. The new slot will allow the festival to be closer to the Thailand Entertainment and Content Fair, which incorporates the Bangkok Film Market and other TV and film-related activities. The inaugural fair is being organised separately by the Department of Export Promotion.
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