Freen, the idol of Gen Z in Thailand, awarded by the Red Sea International Film Festival in Cannes

One of the youngest talents that the Red Sea International Film Festival has selected for the event Women in Cinemadedicated to women in the international film industry and scheduled for Cannes this year, is Sarocha Chankimha aka Freenchosen, together with other protagonists of entertainment – actresses, directors and screenwriters – as a symbol of female empowerment.

Freen, born and raised in Bangkokshe dreamed of being an actress since she was a child and, at just 25 years old, she has already become one one of the most loved faces on Thai television and a Gen Z idol.

An ambition that she has cultivated since she was a young girl when, after her parents' divorce, she rolled up her sleeves and, in addition to studying – after graduating she graduated in Public Relations and Corporate Communications – she divided her time between various jobs to help her mother financially and take acting courses.

So after arriving among the finalists of Miss Teen Thailand in 2016, the decision to capitalize on the visibility just gained thanks to the competition to focus on the show. As a singer and as an actress.

Because Freen has recorded songs, made several successful music videos and acted in films and TV series. Among the most recent Gap which, after being broadcast on TV, is exploded on YouTube, where it totaled over 700 million views. «I hope, with the results obtained so far, I can be an inspiration to all girls», she explains. «I will do everything I can to encourage other women to believe in themselves, to make the right decisions and to channel their energies positively. The message is: If I can do it, anyone can do it».

How do you think events like Women in cinema can support women working in the various entertainment sectors?
«I have always believed in gender equality. And I am convinced that Women in Cinema and other similar initiatives are enormously important tools in supporting equal opportunities, inclusion and diversity in the world of cinema and entertainment. Raising awareness of the obstacles women face in their careers and pushing for change. These events help us to become stronger, to make our voices and requests heard: we want equal opportunities with men and a work environment that is more inclusive and that makes us feel encouraged and supported.”

How do you try to make your contribution?
«The two watchwords at work for me are: mentorship, that is, sharing one's experience with those who are starting out, and support. In this way, we can offer advice, guidance and encouragement. To help other women face the difficulties they will encounter and be ready to overcome them.”

Did you find older or more experienced colleagues along your path who helped you take your first steps?
“Absolutely. They did this in practice, collaborating together on projects. In general, I believe that it is important to leverage everyone's abilities, the different talents that each of us expresses and the different points of view. This way you get great results. Today, whenever I can, I do the same, I try to lend a hand. Using my contacts and making my voice heard if I think it can help others achieve their goals. If we support each other we can create a working environment capable of offering more opportunities for everyone.”

Women in Cinema is an initiative linked to the Red Sea International Film Festival. Can film festivals help achieve the goal of an industry in which the presence of women is equal to that of men?
“Certain. They have a fundamental role. Because they are global stages where filmmakers have the opportunity to show their work to the whole world. But also meeting insiders and creating bonds with colleagues and professionals in this sector. As well as reaching different audiences, giving greater relevance to the stories they tell.”

Could achieving equality in the entertainment sector represent a growth factor for women in other areas of society too?
«Cinema is a channel for telling stories that reflect different points of view and sensitivity because we are all different and each of us brings our own specificity in terms of experience, vision and ideas. And I believe this encourages young people to become part of this world and, on a larger scale, to overcome stereotypes, creating a more open society.”