To say that the recent Bangkok’s International Film Festival was anything less than a spectacle would be telling a lie. One of the programs during the 7th year of the film fest took place at the Siam Niramit mega stage show off of Ratchadapisek. Upon walking to the entrance, it was easy to tell that this event would be intriguing. Elephants were getting bathed, women in mythical winged creature costumes powdered their faces and rose petals were dropped at the feet of all who entered the complex. Held at the massive Bangkok theater, the show was done in a Vegas style but think of it with no nudity and lots of Buddhist folklore brought to life on stage with over 100 Thai performers. Two elephants did perform that night, yet there wasn’t a movie screened… despite it being a film festival.

Even if there wasn’t a screening of any “international film” that night, there sure was glitz and glam, as well as a constant “Now-who-is-that?” feeling. “Celebrities” that night ranged from Olivia Thirlby, a down-the-list co-star in “Juno,” to Adam Karst, bad guy in a yet-to-be-released film from Jean Claude Van Damme to Rachel Nichols, an actor in “G.I. Joe” and a couple of season of the television show, “Alias.”

But, the “face” of the film festival was none other than James “Jim” Belushi, who didn’t actually have a film at the festival. Yeah, you’re not the only one who’s surprised. It may be a bitter pill to swallow, but in terms of international film circles, Jim Belushi isn’t exactly top of the list. Sure, he’s had a thirty-year career in films and television, but when thinking of chic cinematic celebrations such as Cannes, Tribeca or Sundance, he’s not the first name to come to mind as a “must-have.”

Nevertheless, Jim was scheduled to be on hand for a press conference set to take place at the Siam Niramit exhibition. Originally planned for 5 o’clock, the Q&A got pushed back over an hour in order to allow the not-so-superstars a chance to view “Thai life,” compliments of the theater, as hired help superficially portrayed aspects of Thai society somewhat irrelevant to life in present-day Bangkok. Some people rowed a tiny boat in a fake river while others sat at a loom pretending to weave generic hill tribe textiles. Everyone looked bored.

Adding to the sheer ludicrousness of it all were the outfits for the visiting stars. Someone had a brilliant idea that it would be fun if the actors all wore “traditional” Thai costumes. One by one, actors pulled up to the entrance, clad in gold shimmering Thai silk with spangles and headpieces. That was enough to make all the journalists smile and look at each other quizzically, but when Belushi rolled up, some practically peed their pants. Was a practical joke being played on us? Impossible that a middle-aged American man known for his macho guy “hey-oh” hangdog face was seriously dressed in a gold fabric outfit of sorts, replete with braided tiara, no less? Nope, apparently not a joke (see accompanying photos proving it to be true!).

Finally, we all made it to the press conference, and Jim gave a ten-minute cordialbut- expected “I love Thailand and am so impressed by all the genuine smiles I have received here” speech. When asked some pertinent questions about Bangkok and its film industry, he politely but bluntly shot down the idea of Thai cinema having a chance in Hollywood. Luckily for the Thai film industry, he blamed it on the fact that “Hollywood produced half the films this year than it did last year,” and that “in general, it’s very hard to get a film made there.”

He went on to comment on his affinity for acting, especially voiceovers and sitcoms. When acting in animation films, Belushi enjoys being able to “act big” and to be able to

“base the characters on yourself in order to bring them out fully.” What he enjoys about acting in “According to Jim,” the American television show that he has headed for eight seasons, is that he “gets to be invested in the character” and appreciates being closer to his family than films allow.

When asked one of the more serious questions of the day about how the life and death of his famed brother might have affected his own acting career, Jim replied, “Honey, that question’s not a quick one; it’s a chapter in a book.” He then gave his trademark squinty-eyed smile and left the room to get a four-person massage while drinking beer before the show.

All in all, Jim Belushi was a friendly face for the Bangkok International Film Festival to use as their spokesperson, but he could have used an assistant’s whisper in his ear to tone down how many times he spoke about “Thai women being so beautiful,” as it got to the point where you had to wonder how many times a person could repeat themselves and what his post-show plans were.

Look for Jim’s next appearance in Roman Polankski’s film “The Ghost.” It was scheduled to be released in early 2010, but due to Polankski’s recent arrest, its current release date is yet to be determined.