Sakda (Rousseau) (2012)
A meditative short film by Apichatpong Weerasethakul, reimagining Jean-Jacques Rousseau reborn in contemporary Thailand.
Sakda (Rousseau) - Movie Information
- Original Title: Sakda (Rousseau)
- Release Year: 2012
- Directed by: Apichatpong Weerasethakul
- Type: Movie
- Runtime: 6m
- Original Language: Thai
- Spoken Languages: Thai
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 4, 2012 (Switzerland)
- Production Companies: Rita Productions
- Production Countries: Thailand
Sakda (Rousseau) - Plot
Created in celebration of the three-hundredth anniversary of the birth of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, this short essay centres on a monologue delivered by a reincarnation of the philosopher in twenty-first century Thailand.
Sakda (Rousseau) - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Apichatpong Weerasethakul
Main Cast
- Sakda Kaewbuadee
- Chai Bhatana
- Chatchai Suban
Producers
- Max Karli
Sakda (Rousseau) - FAQs
What is Sakda (Rousseau) about?
Sakda (Rousseau) is a short essay film commissioned to mark the 300th anniversary of philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau's birth. It centres on a monologue delivered by a figure presented as a reincarnation of Rousseau living in contemporary Thailand, blending philosophical reflection with the filmmaker's signature poetic sensibility.
Who directed Sakda (Rousseau)?
Sakda (Rousseau) was directed by Apichatpong Weerasethakul, the acclaimed Thai filmmaker known for works such as Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives, which won the Palme d'Or at Cannes in 2010. His distinctive approach to memory, identity, and landscape is central to this short film.
When was Sakda (Rousseau) released?
Sakda (Rousseau) was released on August 4, 2012, in Switzerland. The film was created as a commissioned work tied to the 300th anniversary celebrations of Jean-Jacques Rousseau's birth, which took place in 2012.
Who are the main actors in Sakda (Rousseau)?
The film features Sakda Kaewbuadee, a frequent collaborator of director Apichatpong Weerasethakul, alongside Chai Bhatana and Chatchai Suban. Sakda Kaewbuadee's presence is central to the film, as the title itself references his name alongside the philosopher Rousseau.
How long is Sakda (Rousseau)?
Sakda (Rousseau) has a runtime of approximately 6 minutes, making it a short film. Despite its brevity, the work carries the contemplative depth characteristic of Apichatpong Weerasethakul's filmmaking, using minimal duration to explore themes of identity, reincarnation, and philosophical legacy.
Is Sakda (Rousseau) based on a true story?
The film is not based on a true story in a conventional sense, but it is grounded in the historical figure of Jean-Jacques Rousseau. It was commissioned to commemorate the 300th anniversary of his birth in 1712, reimagining the philosopher as a reincarnated presence in modern-day Thailand.
What language is Sakda (Rousseau) in?
Sakda (Rousseau) is in Thai. It is a Thai-language production made in Thailand, directed by Apichatpong Weerasethakul and produced by Rita Productions. The film's Thai-language monologue gives a distinctly local voice to the Western philosophical tradition of Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
What films are similar to Sakda (Rousseau)?
Viewers interested in Sakda (Rousseau) may enjoy other contemplative or essay-style films. Recommended titles include Transformer (2018), Close Encounters of the Fifth Kind (2020), and Return (2015), which share elements of philosophical inquiry, unconventional narrative, or meditative cinematic approaches.
More About Sakda (Rousseau)
Explore further details about this film through the following resources.