Kevin Taylor

A tribute to Tony Rayns from Apichatpong Weerasethakul: Tony, You were the first person who, at a cinema in Bangkok in 1999, welcomed a stranger with a VHS tape and actually watched it. You remained one of the first to see my films, offering advice and support over almost three decades. You’d say how hard it was to write about those films, yet you understood them more than me. My dear friend, you are the fuel that propels many of us forward. I thank you for our times in Tai Wu, and other Chinese meals across continents, over gossip about this messy film family of ours. I miss touching your belly as a silent way of asking ‘how are you, uncle?’ Nothing more. But the lights you have ignited remain in this quiet night.