Bangkok, September 30, 2025 — Bangkok International Film Festival 2025 (BKKIFF 2025) officially opened with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Department of Cultural Promotion, and Thailand Creative Culture Agency (THACCA). The event marks a major milestone in positioning Thailand on the world cinema stage and reinforces Bangkok’s role as a hub for film and contemporary culture in Southeast Asia. Running through October 15, 2025, the festival takes place at Major Cineplex and SF Cinema locations, as well as House Samyan and Lido Connect, featuring more than 200 films from 40 countries worldwide. A key highlight is the “Film Market,” providing Thai filmmakers with opportunities to connect with international investors, alongside the festival’s grand opening with “Tee Yod 3.”

Donsaron Kovitvanitcha, Festival Director of BKKIFF 2025, emphasized that BKKIFF 2025 reaffirms Bangkok’s role as Southeast Asia’s hub for film and contemporary culture. This festival is more than a showcase of films; it is a platform for learning and opportunity. Thai creators can meet directors, producers, and investors from around the globe, sharing experiences and forging new collaborations that elevate Thai cinema to international recognition while inspiring the next generation of filmmakers, determined to grow and make their mark on the film industry.”

“This year, the festival presents over 200 films from 40 countries, spanning features, shorts, documentaries, and animation. Highlights include Sound of Falling by Mascha Schilinski, winner of the Jury Prize at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and Germany’s official entry for Best International Feature Film at the Oscars; Dreams (Sex Love) by Norway’s Dag Johan Haugerud, which won the Golden Bear at Berlinale 2025; and The Chronology of Water, Kristen Stewart’s directorial debut. More than 70 filmmakers will also join discussions and panels. To celebrate the festival’s return after a 16-year hiatus, we are proud to open with Tee Yod 3, the highly anticipated Thai sequel,” Donsaron added.

Pimpaka Towira, Executive Director of BKKIFF 2025, noted that one of the cornerstones of this year’s festival is the “Film Market,” a vital step in linking the Thai film industry to the international stage. Over 50 Thai film companies will participate in business negotiations. The market will also host in-depth seminars by international film buyers, masterclasses with world-renowned directors and actors, and a short film competition, as well as “Asian Project Pitching” and “Thai Project Pitching” that allow creators to present their work directly to domestic and global investors.

“This year’s competitions—namely Asian Short Films Competition, Asian Project Pitching, and Thai Project Pitching—attracted significant participation. We received 366 Asian short films, 106 Asian project submissions, and 51 Thai project submissions, all reviewed by distinguished juries. Finalists will join workshops and training sessions on filmmaking and the film business before pitching their projects at the Film Market for prizes worth over USD 25,000. The Film Market will be held from October 1–4, 2025, at ICONSIAM,” Pimpaka explained.

The festival opened with a spectacular ceremony at The Pinnacle Hall, 8th floor of ICONSIAM, presided over by [the Prime Minister / the Minister of Culture], with leading artists, actors, directors, filmmakers, and influencers from Thailand and across Asia in attendance. The opening featured a special performance by “Khru Lek” Patravadi Mejudhon, followed by the world premiere of Tee Yod 3 as the festival’s opening feature. Directed and produced by Naritt Yuvaboon and Thanadet Pradit, with Surachedh Assawaruenganun as producer, the film stars Nadech Kugimiya, Denise Jelilcha Kapaun, and Nina Nutthacha Jessica Padovan.

The Bangkok International Film Festival 2025 runs from September 27 to October 15, 2025 across Major Cineplex and SF Cinema locations, as well as House Samyan and Lido Connect. For more details, follow BKKIFFofficial on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X.