Tanwarin Sukkhapisit has fulfilled her childhood dream of becoming a nang-ek (leading actress) as well as writing and directing her short films. Her most recent short I’m Fine Sa-Bai-Dee Kah just won the R.D. Pestonji Award at the 12th Thai Short Film and Video Festival.

BK: Why did you quit your job as an English teacher to pursue filmmaking?
Tanwarin Sukkhapisit: I always wanted to be an actress. It’s as simple as that. Teaching just didn’t feel right for me, so when I saw a poster of a short film contest, I asked myself “What could be more perfect?” I can tell the story I want to, do what I want and most importantly I get to be a nang-ek.

BK: Is it harder for you, as a transgender director, to be taken seriously?
TS: No. Why? There are a lot of gay directors in the industry... Oh, they aren’t actually out, right? I’ve been in the short film world for about seven years and I don’t think I am treated differently. I don’t know what other people think of me and I don’t really care.

BK: What was your parents’ reaction when they first saw you dressed as a woman?
TS: They always knew that I am a katoey, so there was no drama. I took my mother to see my first short film and she gave me comments on how I should improve myself!  

BK: Do you get offended when people call you a tudd?
TS: Not at all. It’s a fact, so why would I be angry? But I don’t like being called “the third gender.” It’s too discriminating. Let’s say straight men and women were outnumbered by katoeys like us. Would you like it if we were the first sex and you the third?

BK: Have you ever regretted being a katoey?
TS: Never. What I always try to present in my films is that everyone—no matter what their sexual preference—is the same. But of course, when it comes to something like love, a katoey, especially those who like straight guys like me, might not always have a happy ending. 

BK: But these days, it’s difficult for a woman to find a straight guy. Isn’t it a problem for you?
TS: Well, if you can’t find one, buy one. We can’t always find satisfaction in every relationship we are in, heterosexual or homosexual. I mean, there’s a reason why prostitutes exist.

BK: Besides short films, what else are you working on?
TS: I’m studying for a masters degree in performing arts. I’m also an acting coach for two upcoming movies: Juub, where I get to work with Mario Maurer, and Nak Tae Teen Raberd, Poj Anon’s new comedy. There are over 30 cute guys in the film! I agreed to do it without even thinking about how much I would get paid.