Thai Film 'The Coach of Dreams' Hits Theaters Nationwide
The Thai film 'The Coach of Dreams', inspired by the real-life story of coach Ajarn Sakon Kliengprasert, has premiered in theaters nationwide. Produced by Jai Yai Media Entertainment and directed by Samruay Rakchat, it follows a provincial youth football team’s journey in an old six-wheel truck nicknamed the 'Dream Truck' as they strive for national success. The movie stars the coach himself, young players, and guest appearances by popular Thai actors.
The movie depicts the power of dreams and perseverance of the youth football club Watermelon Luk Luang Pho, a small provincial team aspiring to reach the national stage under Coach Sakon, a former professional footballer, and Coach Yong, whose heart is full. Despite limited resources, they inspire the kids, symbolized by an old six-wheel truck called the 'Dream Truck' that transports them to matches. Team captain Naow bears pressure, while talented but insecure Tee faces personal conflicts and family pressure; their journey is not just on the field but also personal growth and self-discovery amid obstacles and division, requiring the team to reunite to reach the finals, proving that true dreams and friendship outweigh any trophy.
The cast features Ajarn Sakon and youth players such as Tee (Worakorn Chanheitdee), Naow (Jetsada Lanka), Fakof (Naphat Hatsai), Taengkiuw (Panunwat Phongboonjang) and others, plus Pang (Nachapat Chinnarong), Kimjuay (Euangkoon Penchanawatkun), Cherri (Chompunikh Phrompichai), Kao (Nutkritta Manineam). Guest stars include Kwang (Kamonchon Khemayothin), Namphung (Natriga Thamapridanan), Honey (Patsara Bunyakyat), Tik Glinsae (Chanarong Khantao), Rich (Wichayong Iamsoad), Ice (Thichanan Sisawet), Oat (Surasak Chotitinthavat).
Ajarn Sakon recalled the origin of the 'Dream Truck': during a 7-color football tournament, someone photographed their songthaew parked among big double-decker buses of famous schools; after comparing, the photographer named it the 'Dream Truck'. He never imagined it would become a sensation; he just wanted to get the kids to play. Because the film is based on his life, he proposed the title 'The Coach of Dreams', which everyone agreed on, and they chose fruit names for the team that are easy, cute, affordable, and universally liked — hence the team name Watermelon.
Regarding acting, Ajarn Sakon said they aren't actors, it wasn't easy, but once committed they had to give their all, portraying sorrow, humor, joy; especially the sad scenes required tears. He recalled being ordered to vacate his teacher's residence within 24 hours after defying administrators, loading his family into an old pickup truck with nowhere to go, and that hardship is depicted in the film; acting brought back those memories and tears.
