Bangkok International Film Festival 2025 Aims to Elevate Thai Cinema and Position Bangkok as the Film Capital of the Region

 Bangkok International Film Festival 2025 Aims to Elevate Thai Cinema and Position Bangkok as the Film Capital of the Region

Bangkok, August 18, 2025 — The Bangkok International Film Festival 2025 (BKKIFF 2025) returns after a 17-year hiatus since 2008, revitalized by a new organizing team with support from the Department of Cultural Promotion (DCP) under the Ministry of Culture and Thailand Creative Culture Agency (THACCA). In collaboration with all major cinema chains in Bangkok, the festival will showcase more than 200 films from around the world between September 27–October 15, 2025, with the Thai horror film Tee Yod 3 chosen as the opening feature.

Dr. Surapong Suebwonglee, Deputy Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister and Chairman of the National Soft Power Development Committee, who also serves as Chairman of the BKKIFF Organizing Committee, said:

“The film industry is one of the core elements of Thailand’s soft power. It powerfully conveys our stories, ways of life, culture, and creativity to global audiences. With support from DCP and THACCA, the Bangkok International Film Festival 2025 is being relaunched under the concept ‘Power in Collaboration,’ which reflects our belief that success must be built through the cooperation of government, the private sector, artists, creators, and the public.”

Dr. Surapong emphasized the vision of positioning Bangkok as a hub for film and contemporary culture in Southeast Asia, as well as a global meeting point for filmmakers and investors. The festival aims to foster networking, knowledge-sharing, and business opportunities that will help raise the standards of Thai filmmaking and integrate it more deeply into international markets.

“Our goal is not only to make Bangkok a destination for international filmmakers but also to create a platform for Thai talent to develop skills, exchange experiences, and collaborate with global creators. This integration of cooperation, knowledge-sharing,

and intellectual property protection will strengthen Thai filmmakers’ access to global platforms,” he added.

Donsaron Kovitvanitcha, THACCA’s Subcommittee Member for Film, Documentary, and Animation Industries and Festival Director of BKKIFF 2025, revealed that this year’s edition will be the largest film festival in Southeast Asia, screening over 200 titles including features, shorts, documentaries, and animations from more than 40 countries. The program will feature competitions for both short and feature films, as well as panel discussions with over 70 film teams.

A major highlight will be the Film Market, providing opportunities for creators, distributors, and investors to connect and expand business opportunities in film and series. The market will include:

 Over 50 booths from Thai film producers and industry stakeholders

 International buyer seminars

 Masterclasses with world-renowned directors and actors

 A short film competition

 Asian Project Pitching and Thai Project Pitching, giving creators the chance to present projects to domestic and international investors, with a total prize pool of USD 25,000 to further develop their works.

“This festival will not only inspire those in the industry but also generate international economic opportunities for Thai cinema, strengthening our soft power globally. The selection of Tee Yod 3 as the opening film is a powerful symbol of the potential of Thai cinema to shine on the world stage,” said Donsaron.

BKKIFF 2025 will take place from September 27–October 15, 2025 at leading theaters across Bangkok, including Major Cineplex, SF Cinema, House Samyan, and Lido Connect. The Opening Ceremony will be held on September 29, 2025 at Pinnacle Hall, ICONSIAM, featuring the world premiere of Tee Yod 3. The film continues the chilling saga of Uncle Yak, Yot, Yod, and Sergeant Praphan, this time confronting a new haunted forest, “Bong Sa-node Biang,” promising audiences an even more intense horror experience.

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