Ghostly girlfriend

Punjan and Meiko see eye to eye

By Tatat Bunnag
Photographs by Varuth Hiranyatheb
and courtesy of Sahamongkol Film

Many people are afraid of ghosts, but some might be prepared to venture into the darkness for a chance to see the ghost of a person they love. That idea is explored in the latest film from Pisaj and 13: Game of Death director Chookiat Sakveerakul (Madeaw).

Madeaw’s creepy new horror movie, The Eyes Diary, combines a touching love story with a chilling supernatural story. Nott, played by 28-year-old actor Prama Imanotai (Punjan), is having trouble coping with the loss of his girlfriend who died in a tragic accident. He becomes obsessed with using black magic in the hope of seeing his girlfriend again.

The Eyes Diary also stars 20-year-old actress Chonnikan Netjui (Meiko), who plays Modta, Nott’s friend and accomplice in the spooky story.

Student Weekly recently caught up with Nott and Meiko to ask them about the making of The Eyes Diary, which is due to open at local cinemas on October 30.

Student Weekly: How did you become involved in The Eyes Diary?

Punjan: I was invited by Madeaw to audition for a role in his new horror movie. I don’t normally enjoy ghost and horror films, but I couldn’t resist the chance to work with a famous director like Madeaw.

Meiko: Madeaw is a talented director that many actors would love to work with. As well as horror movies, Madeaw is really good at making romance and drama films like Home and The Love of Siam. The Eyes Diary has a good combination of horror, drama and romance.

Student Weekly: Do you think fans of romance movies will enjoy The Eyes Diary?

Meiko: Absolutely! It’s not just a scary movie. There’s also an emotional and moving love story in the film. If you’re looking for something scary, you’ll enjoy this film, but you’ll also like it if you want a romantic movie.

Student Weekly: Punjan, did you find acting in your first horror movie easier or harder than your previous film?

Punjan: Working on this film was very challenging because of the character I played. Nott is a pretty intense and depressing character. He becomes darker after the death of his girlfriend, and that required a lot of emotional acting and crying. It took me a while to get into character.

Student Weekly: Meiko, this was your third feature film. How did working on this film compare with your previous experiences?

Meiko: My first two films, Mary Is Happy, Mary Is Happy and Tang Wong, were both indie movies. They didn’t require much professional acting ability. The Eyes Diary was my first major film and it was more difficult because everything had to be neater.

Student Weekly: The Eyes Diary is about somebody trying to contact the ghost of their loved one. If your friend tried to do that in real life, would you support them?

Punjan: I’m not sure. I don’t think I’d try to stop them or support them. When somebody is dealing with grief and loss, I don’t think you should interfere. It’s better to keep your distance and just try to be a good friend.

Meiko: I agree.

Student Weekly: Do you believe that ghosts really exist?

Punjan: I’ve never seen one, but I’m completely sure that ghosts really exist.

Meiko: I only half believe in ghosts. People are often afraid of ghosts, but they can never really prove that they exist.

Student Weekly: Do you have any plans for Halloween on October 31?

Punjan: I look at Halloween as a celebration and a fun day for kids to dress up in fancy costumes.

Meiko: My friends and I used to dress up as ghosts when we were kids, but I’m not so excited about Halloween these days.

comments powered by Disqus