The 2005 ShoWest Award for Marketing Achievement in Theatrical Exhibition went to the Thai group SF Cinema City. The late Saman Thongrompo and his family created the upscale cinema chain, which features such luxuries as dinner service. Thongrompo’s widow Sunee and their sons now run the business.One son, Suwat Thongrompo, who is president of SF Cinema City, along with Suvannee Chinchiewchan, who is deputy managing director, opened their doors to foreign and local victims immediately after the December 26th tsunami, providing shelter and food.The SF Cinema group plans to hold the first annual Phuket Film Festival in its theater on May 29, highlighting Asian films as well as European and American film entries. The company hopes the event will produce interest and tourism back to the tsunami-affected area.
Written by April MacIntyre
