Thailand : Satree Lek (Iron Ladies) (2000)

Is this the first ever Thailand's gay-themed film?

When Satree Lek was released, it was labelled as Thailand's Titanic film based on the wave of box office smash it was becoming.  Directed by Yongyoot Thongkongtoon, Iron Ladies was based on a true story of a group of gay / transgender who played volleyball and won national championship. The movie portrayed the hardship for this group of good volleyball players to be accepted in the circle of the sport management team, but they prove to be extremely popular eventually among the Thai commoners.

Mon was rejected from the volleyball team because he was gay. Together with Jung, they heed the call for the district re-try-out for volleyball team. Being selected by a new coach, this selection did not prove to be a popular decision with the other homophobic players who left the group, leaving Mon, Jung and team Captain (and a straight guy) Chai to look for new players. Their search let them to Mon and Jung's old friends - Pia, Nong and Wit, plus a triplet introduced by Coach Bee.

Their hardship was not only to be accepted by the sport council, but their own personal problems too. Wit's parents did not know that he was gay, and was insisting him to get married soon. Pia was having relationship problem with his boyfriend - Chat. Nong and Jung fought over the same attached guy. Chai was working hard to accept his new friends, despite his discomfort. Mon was having trouble with Chai's discomfort.



The film painted the gay community as a comical group, but did a good job too to disclose the fears of the characters of their acceptance into the community. This film is such a feel-good movie.

Awards:
Won -

• Berlin International Film Festival (2000) - Reader Jury of the "Siegessäule" and Teddy - Special Mention
• Toronto International Film Award (2000) - 2nd Placing Discovery Award
• Dallas OUT TAKES (2001) - Best Feature and Outstanding Cast Ensemble
• Dublin Gay & Lesbian Film Festival (2001) - Audience Award
• New York Lesbian and Gay Film Festival (2001) - Audience Award
• San Francisco Lesbian & Gay Film Festival (2001) - Audience Award
• Thailand National Film Association Awards (2002) - Best Supporting Actor 

Nominated -

• Buenos Aires International Festival of Independent Cinema (2001) - Best Film
• Political Film Society, USA (2002) - PFS Award (Expose)

IMDB : Satree Lek