The Bangkok International Film Festival is to award Wouter Barendrecht and Michael J.Werner, co-chairmen of Fortissimo Films, with a Golden Kinnareefor their contribution to Asian Cinema at the black tie Awards Gala to be held onFebruary 24th .

Wouter Barendrechtfounded Fortissimo Film Sales in 1991 with the specific aim of developing,selling and marketing quality art-house films. Michael J. Werner, co-chairman andco-owner has been involved with the company for more than a decade.

Directors they have nurtured include Pen-ekRatanaruang, Wong Kar-wai,Iwai Shunuji and the Pang Brothers among others.Seven Fortissimo titles were included in the 2006 Berlin Film Festival line-up.

Since August 2005 Fortissimo Films has represented nearly200 films from around the globe. Approximately 12-15 films are added per yearto their line-up. Additionally the company has also started to acquire and manageexisting libraries on the behalf of independent producers and directors. Duringthe last five years the company has entered into activities related to thedevelopment, financing and co-production of films, receiving production creditson a number of titles including TheGoddess of 1967, Thomas in Love, Grimm, P.S., Mysterious Skin and Seven Swords.