Interview: The Iron Ladies

Friday, June 15th at 2 p.m.

San Francisco Marriott

I am providing some of the highlights from the interview. Much of the interview was translated by a friend of the cast members. I have smoothed out some of the grammar and assisted with word choice a bit here and there. The audio version will be available shortly. 

Tell me a little bit about what it is like to be a filmmaker in Thailand. 

A/B: The problems in Thailand about the movies is that the director or the person who wants to make the movie, has to find a supporter (patron) and often that person tries to influence the direction of the film.

Translator: "Iron Ladies" is a very special Thai film, especially for gay people because Thai people are still very conservative about gays but after this movie people accept gays more than before. 

Are there a lot of hate crimes against gays like in the United States?

A/B: "There is still a lot of homophobia, especially when people get drunk."

Are there a lot of niche festivals in Thailand that are more open to what would be considered non-mainstream film like in the US?

"No."

Are there a lot of American films that play in Thailand? 

"Yes, action and comedy. " There are also a lot of big budget films from Studio Thai that funds a lot of films, often collaborating with Hong Kong financiers.

Does the government give money to filmmakers like in China and England?

The "Iron Ladies" did not get any government money. Usually, the governor decides based on educational merit as long as the subject matter is not too controversial (such as AIDS because of the lack of education and resulting fear due to ignorance. There was an educational road show dealing with the topic of HIV and AIDS). 

Tell me a little bit about the production.

"Very, very loving." A lot of the cast and crew had experience working on commercials and one had worked on three other feature films. "Many of the filmmakers had worked together before so they got along very well." 

What aspect of this film was challenging for you?

Even though in real life they are the oldest, they had to play younger characters (high school). Also, A and B are the only ones who have ever played volleyball before, the rest of the cast had never played. They did bring a coach to help train them and consult on the movie. The original (Iron Ladies) team also came to help.

So what did the real life players think about the film? did they think it was close to their real life experience? 

"They thought it was about 80% accurate."

So how well do you think you guys played?

"Just okay". (As a volleyball player, I would beg to differ.)

Is the volleyball good in Thailand?

"For females and gays".

Did you see any similarities between the process of playing volleyball and making a film, in terms of team, etc.?

"Yeah." 

What advice would you give other young filmmakers like yourselves? 

"Iron Ladies" is a very good example if they want to make something for the public. Timing is number one, first thing to consider. This film is done during the right time and place..."

"This movie took three (3) years to complete, so the entire group got close like family not just co-workers." (One year to shoot; one year to develop; and one year to finish editing) 

"Iron Ladies" is a funny and touching movie. Despite the fact that the sexual orientation may be controversial to some, I think the presentation is tame enough to be enjoyed by the whole family. Some of the acting is also quite good, especially given the fact that most of the actors had never starred in a feature film. Real-life volleyball players will find the action shots quite campy and unrealistic, but that fact does not detract from the essence of the film. The story of underdogs over-coming adversity in their lives and on the court is universal and a popular theme worldwide. "The Iron Ladies" played at this year's San Francisco Gay & Lesbian Film Festival and is making its way around the world to various film festivals. This movie would be equally enjoyable on video. Be sure to stay tuned for the end credits as they feature the real Iron Ladies volleyball team.