Private Project

Traction

“Lin” a young woman of Hmong, living with her friend “Aon”. They are unexpectedly confronted with a challenging situation that involves a longstanding practice within their tribe. The situation presents a difficult ethical and emotional dilemma for them.

  • Natthasak Jaithita
    Writer
  • Natthasak Jaithita
    Director
  • Natthasak Jaithita
    Producer
  • Suphawadee Saehang
    Key Cast
    "Lin"
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    ฉุด
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    26 minutes 6 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 3, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    3,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Thailand
  • Country of Filming:
    Thailand
  • Language:
    English, Thai
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.39:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Thammasat University
  • Indie Movies Spark Film Festival
    Utrecht
    Netherlands
    April 3, 2023
    Netherlands Premiere
    Best Student Short
  • Five Continents International Film Festival
    Anzoategui
    Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
    April 3, 2023
    Venezuela Premiere
    Special Mention Costume Design Short Film
  • Five Continents International Film Festival
    Anzoategui
    Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
    April 3, 2023
    Venezuela Premiere
    Special Mention Young Actress Short Film
  • Five Continents International Film Festival
    Anzoategui
    Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
    April 3, 2023
    Venezuela Premiere
    Special Mention Young Director Short Film
  • Five Continents International Film Festival
    Anzoategui
    Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
    April 3, 2023
    Venezuela Premiere
    Best Indie Short Film
  • Festival del Cinema di Cefalù
    Cefalù
    Italy
    September 1, 2023
    Italy Premiere
    Award Nominee
  • First-Time Filmmaker Sessions
    England
    United Kingdom
    May 15, 2023
    World Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Global Film Festival Awards
    Los Angeles, CA
    United States
    June 12, 2023
    Los Angeles Premiere
    Best Student Film
  • Global Film Festival Awards
    Los Angeles, CA
    United States
    June 12, 2023
    Los Angeles Premiere
    Best Student Filmmaker
  • CinemaKing International Film Festival
    Dhaka
    Bangladesh
    December 27, 2023
    Bangladesh Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Independent Shorts Awards
    Los Angeles, CA
    United States
    May 26, 2023
    Los Angeles Premiere
    Bronze Award for Best Women Short
  • Independent Shorts Awards
    Los Angeles, CA
    United States
    May 26, 2023
    Los Angeles Premiere
    Gold Award for Best Student Director (Male)
  • Independent Shorts Awards
    Los Angeles, CA
    United States
    May 26, 2023
    Los Angeles Premiere
    Gold Award for Best Student Short
  • IndieX Film Fest
    Los Angeles, CA
    United States
    May 26, 2023
    Los Angeles Premiere
    Best Student Drama Short
  • IndieX Film Fest
    Los Angeles, CA
    United States
    May 26, 2023
    Los Angeles Premiere
    Best Student Short of the Season (Special Jury Award)
  • Indie Short Fest
    Los Angeles, CA
    United States
    May 26, 2023
    Los Angeles Premiere
    Outstanding Achievement Award (Drama Short)
  • Boden International Film Festival
    Boden
    Sweden
    May 28, 2023
    Boden Premiere
    Finalist
  • Hollywood International Golden Age Festival
    New York, NY
    United States
    June 2, 2023
    New York Premiere
    Best Student Short
  • Aporia International Village Film Festival (끄트머리국제마을영화제)
    Gangwon-do
    Korea, Republic of
    June 13, 2023
    South Korea Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Fort Smith International Film Festival
    Fort Smith, AR
    United States
    June 26, 2023
    Fort Smith Premiere
    Finalist
  • International Thai Film Festival
    Bangkok
    Thailand
    September 22, 2023
    Bangkok Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Babel Film Festival
    Cagliari
    Italy
    September 10, 2023
    Cagliari Premiere
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Natthasak Jaithita

Natthasak Jaithita (Thai: ณัฐศักดิ์ ใจธิตา, born October 11, 2000) is a Thai filmmaker and video creator. Natthasak graduated Bachelor of Arts in Management of Cultural Heritage and Creative Industries with First Class Honors from College of Innovation, Thammasat University. After graduating, he worked mainly on video commercials and online commercials for Awake BKK in 2023.

He directed short film 3 titles, also "Traction", directed music video 3 titles, directed documentary short film "Xi An Chiang Dao", and directed short film for the stage play "NISIT101"

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Since my childhood, I have been intrigued by the Hmong ethnic group due to their distinctive culture, language, and attire. During my undergraduate studies, I became aware of the practice of bride kidnapping within this community. This revelation prompted me to explore the veracity of such practice and to ponder why such events persist in contemporary times. In my quest for knowledge, I undertook extensive research through various mediums such as books, websites, and academic resources, with a particular focus on the experiences of Hmong women. As a screenplay writer, I found it relatively straightforward to integrate my findings into a screenplay.

The underlying message of my short film is that the preservation of human rights should be the foremost concern, regardless of whether the act of kidnapping involves women or men and serves the interests of the family or society. It is imperative that individuals refrain from resorting to violence as a means of resolving conflicts. As we transition into a new era, the growing awareness of human rights has led to a decline in the prevalence of bride kidnapping, although sporadic occurrences may persist. Nevertheless, it is crucial that we strive towards the complete eradication of this practice. Invariably, societal issues are subject to change in accordance with evolving circumstances. As such, the Hmong ethnic group has been chosen as the focal point of the film, as it represents the most transparent manifestation of the smallest social structure.