Filmmaker James Newman on his Documentary Bangkok: City of Angels [S7.E49]
The Bangkok Podcast10 Des 2024

Filmmaker James Newman on his Documentary Bangkok: City of Angels [S7.E49]

Greg interviews writer and filmmaker James Newman, a long-time expat in Thailand who recently made a documentary film about our beloved city of Bangkok. James starts out explaining his background in London as an insurance executive, his subsequent departure to Thailand, and his career as a writer during the e-book boom of the naughts. Around 2017 he transitioned to filmmaking and made a successful short film called 'Crazy Medicine,' directed by friend of the podcast Richie Moore.

But today's show centers on James' recent film, "Bangkok: City of Angels," an attempt to capture the chaotic appeal of Bangkok in documentary form. James discusses his decision to cover a broad arc of Thai history, from a cholera outbreak 200 years ago to the more recent COVID pandemic, explaining that he wanted to show the ways in which history can appear to repeat itself and the ways that Thais overcome adversity.

The two discuss the dozens of significant events in Thai history that have shaped Bangkok, from the founding of the city through to World War II and the Vietnam War. More recently, the film considers the 1997 financial crisis, the various political upheavals, up through the pandemic, during which the film was shot.

While it may be impossible to capture the true essence of Bangkok in one film, "Bangkok: City of Angels" certainly is a serious effort in that direction.

Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. We also sometimes post on Facebook, you can contact us on LINE and of course, head to our website (www.bangkokpodcast.com) to find out probably more info than you need to know.

Episoder(561)

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Another classic recast! One of the craziest stories from recent Thai history. Continuing our series on interesting episodes in Thai history, this episode focuses on the infamous Blue Diamond Affair, I...

27 Jan 29min

From NGOs to Employment Coaching: Helping Thais Find Their Purpose [S8.E28]

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6 Jan 47min

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Don't forget the meetup!

Don't forget the meetup!

Saturday, Dec 6, 2025 at The Warehouse on Charoen Krung Road. Chec our FB page for more details.

3 Des 202536s

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