After a 17-year hiatus, the Bangkok International Film Festival (BKKIFF) is making a grand return, with the ambition of re-establishing the metropolis as a major cinematic hub in Southeast Asia.
Scheduled from September 27 to October 15, 2025, the revitalized festival seeks to overcome past problems and elevate the Thai film industry on the global stage. While the festival itself runs for 19 days, the official Opening Ceremony will be held on September 29 at Pinnacle Hall, ICONSIAM.
For many Gen Y and Gen Z folk, the name BKKIFF may be new, but it has been around for over two decades.
This relaunch is spearheaded by a new organizing team with support from the Department of Cultural Promotion (DCP) under the Ministry of Culture and the Thailand Creative Culture Agency (THACCA).
Still from the festival opening film "Ghost Whisperer 3".// Photo courtesy of M Studio
The opening film will be the world premiere of the latest installment in the blockbuster Thai thriller franchise, Tee Yod 3 (Ghost Whisperer 3).
New vision and leadership
The festival's ambitious goal is to position Bangkok as a center for film and contemporary culture, promoting Thai cinema and its value as a potent form of soft power.
“The film industry is one of the core elements of Thailand’s soft power that powerfully conveys our way of life, culture, and creativity to the global audience," says Dr Surapong Suebwonglee, chairman of the National Soft Power Development Committee and the BKKIFF Organizing Committee.
Dr. Surapong Suebwonglee, chairman of the BKKIFF Organizing Committee
"We view Thai cinema as a medium that will support other aspects of other industries including food, Muay Thai, gems and jewelry, fashion and handicrafts."
The festival will be relaunched under the concept ‘Power in Collaboration,’ highlighting cooperation between the government, private sector, artists, creators, and the public.
“The timing is right as the Thai film industry looks promising,” adds festival executive director Pimpaka Towira. She notes that the festival will also feature a panorama program showcasing 10 notable Thai films.
Festival Highlights and Program
BKKIFF 2025 will be the largest film festival in Southeast Asia, with plans to screen over 200 films—including features, shorts, documentaries, and animations—from more than 40 countries.
According to festival director Donsaron Kovitvanitcha, the films must have premiered no more than a year before the festival. While the full lineup is still being finalized, organizers are confident of attracting a diverse range of international and local films.
The festival also aims to raise the standard of Thai filmmaking by offering masterclasses, panel discussions, and film markets. A key feature is the Asian and Thai project pitching, which will allow independent filmmakers to secure funding for their work.
“We won't only bring international buyers and sellers but also look into investment opportunities because there are many elements. Certainly, we will benefit from finding out what they are looking for in Thai films,” Pimpaka says.
Participating creators will have a chance to present their projects to domestic and international investors, with a total prize pool of USD 25,000 available to help develop their works.
The recent success of independent Thai films, such as the Cannes' award-winner A Useful Ghost, proves that Thai filmmakers have creativity but often need financial support.
Festival director Donsaron Kovitvanitcha, Executive Director Pimpaka Towira and actor-filmmaker Arak "Pae" Amornsupasiri.
The ambitious goal is to put Bangkok back on the map of film festivals after the previous BKKIFF, held by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, was stopped.
The bribery and corruption scandal that surrounded its previous management had put Thailand behind regional cinema powerhouses like Busan, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
The return has already been well-received. Pimpaka revealed that over 100 short films were submitted in just three days following the “open-call” announcement.
The festival will feature competitions for both short and feature films, with the winners receiving the prestigious Phra Surasawadee awards. BKKIFF 2025 will be held at leading theaters mainly in the Siam Square area, including Major Cineplex, SF Cinema, House Samyan, and Lido Connect.
For more program details: Facebook @BKKIFFofficial
