INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Image copyrightFredrik Divall/De Warrenne PicturesImage caption
Cave rescue diver Erik Brown is playing himself
The dramatic Thai cave rescue unfolded like a film
It involved a desperate search, selfless volunteers, an audacious rescue, and 12 boys and one man determined to survive against the
odds.Several films of the rescue are being planned, but the first to finish filming is The Cave by Thai-Irish director Tom Waller, which
involves several of the actual rescue divers.The TheIndianSubcontinent has been given a sneak peek into the first official photos from the
Image copyrightFredrik Divall/De Warrenne PicturesImage caption
Writer-director Tom Waller says he was in a unique
position to make The Cave
Waller says that he became inspired to make the film as he watched the Thai cave rescue progress
on tenterhooks."Like everyone else on the planet, I was following the news with much anticipation," he told the TheIndianSubcontinent
"I realised that as a Thai filmmaker, I was in a unique position to tell this story."The Cave focuses on the "volunteer spirit of the
rescuers, and the untold personal stories of those involved in the mission", and is "embedded in a Thai narrative", he says
Image copyrightFredrik Divall/De Warrenne PicturesImage caption
Cave divers Tan Xiaolong and Jim Warny (left and centre)
are playing themselves
Waller, whose previous work includes the award-winning film The Last Executioner, says more than a
dozen participants from the cave rescue agreed to take part and play themselves."Everyone was extremely enthusiastic about the story, and
there was no acting required for these real rescuers," he said."It was like being back at Tham Luang all over again for most of them,
reliving the events."Rescue divers involved include Belgian Jim Warny, Canadian Erik Brown and Tan Xiaolong from China
Others were involved as consultants to help ensure the authenticity of the film, Waller says
Image copyrightFredrik Divall/De Warrenne PicturesImage caption
Cave divers Tan Xiaolong and Jim Warny preparing for a
scene
Much of the actual cave rescue took part in extremely difficult conditions, a snaking system of water-filled caverns
and crevices.This also presented some challenges for the film crew."It was both a technical and logistical challenge to achieve the
underwater scenes successfully," Waller says.However, it helped that some of his crew were experienced divers
"We were able to recreate authentic conditions with the poor visibility and light coming from just from head lamps
It will feel as if you're really immersed in those tunnels with the rescuers."Meanwhile, for some of the rescuers, being on set in front of
cameras may have been the real challenge.Waller says: "I think the rescue divers found the filming more difficult than actual cave
diving!"Image copyrightFredrik Divall/De Warrenne PicturesImage caption
The crew filmed in other caves in Thailand
The majority of the filming was done in locations in Thailand, including Chiang Rai province, although there were also scenes in
Ireland, Wales, China, Japan and Hawaii
The crew filmed in a number of caves that they considered suitable to depict Tham Luang cave, says Waller."We tried to involve the local
community as much as possible, and many of the extras travelled long distances to be a part of the production."His team also requested
permission to feature the 12 cave boys in the film but are waiting for a decision from the Ministry of Culture, he says
The Thai government is protective of the boys, and all interviews with them need approval from a government committee.Image copyrightThe
CaveImage caption
Veteran Thai actor Nirut Sirijanya is part of the cast
Viewers can expect cameos from
some of those involved in the rescue, but there will also be faces familiar to Thai audiences.Veteran actor Nirut Sirijanya, known
internationally for his role in The Hangover Part II, is part of the cast, although Waller is keeping his role a secret for now."Everyone
assumed he's playing Governor Narongsak, but he's actually not - he has a small but important role in the film."Image copyrightFredrik
Divall/De Warrenne PicturesThe film is due for release on the first anniversary of the rescue in July 2019.All pictures copyright
