The National Film Archive urgently needs funds to build a new climate-controlled vault

After the mammoth task of putting together more than 500 master copies of classic Thai films, the National Film Archive now finds itself faced with another massive challenge: raising Bt10 million for a climate controlled storage room in which to keep the treasured celluloid.

"Ruam Hua Chuay Hor Nang" is the latest activity launched by the archive and the Thai Film Foundation is hoping to get enough money to finish the vault before the films deteriorate.

Some are already in poor condition and need to be kept at a temperature of four degrees Celsius and at a humidity level of 30 per cent. Those conditions will prolong their shelf life for the next 150 years but the archive, which is home is more than 1,000 masters, only has space for 20 more.

With time running out, film fans are invited to help out by taking part in this weekend's event.

On Saturday, from 2 to 10, at the archives in Salaya, you can enjoy screenings of Apichatpong Weerasethakul's shorts, "Luminous People" and "Morakot", live music by Phumijit, the Bang Lamphoo Band and Sunday Morning, and an indie market.

 HAND IT OVER

>> Donations can be made at Kasikorn bank, Mungkorn Road sub branch, savings account "Kongtoon Sang Hong Yen Keb Nang Thai by Moon Nithi Nang Thai," 605-2-01111-4.

 >> Call (02) 800 2716 or see www.ThaiFilm.com.