Bangkok International Film Festival Returns After 17-Year Hiatus to Boost Thai Cinema

Bangkok, Thailand — The Bangkok International Film Festival (BKKIFF) is back! After a 17-year hiatus, the festival returns from September 27 to October 15, 2025, with a new team and a fresh vision: to elevate Thai cinema on the world stage.

Revitalized by the Department of Cultural Promotion (DCP) and the Thailand Creative Culture Agency (THACCA), BKKIFF 2025 will showcase over 200 films from around the world. The festival will open with the world premiere of the Thai horror film, Tee Yod 3 (Ghost Whisperer 3).

"Power in Collaboration"

Dr. Surapong Suebwonglee, Chairman of the BKKIFF Organizing Committee, highlighted the festival’s core concept, "Power in Collaboration."

"The film industry is a core element of Thailand’s soft power," he said. "It powerfully conveys our stories, culture, and creativity to global audiences. Success must be built through cooperation between the government, private sector, artists, and the public."

The festival's vision is to position Bangkok as a regional film hub and a global meeting point for filmmakers and investors. BKKIFF aims to raise the standards of Thai filmmaking by fostering networking, knowledge-sharing, and business opportunities.

A Platform for Thai Talent

Donsaron Kovitvanitcha, the festival's director, revealed that BKKIFF 2025 will be the largest film festival in Southeast Asia, screening films from over 40 countries. A major highlight is the Film Market, which will serve as a hub for creators, distributors, and investors.

The Film Market will feature:

• Over 50 booths from Thai film producers and industry stakeholders.

• Masterclasses with world-renowned directors and actors.

• Asian and Thai Project Pitching with a total prize pool of USD 25,000 to help develop new works.

Why Tee Yod 3?

The selection of the horror film Tee Yod 3 ((Ghost Whisperer 3) as the opening feature is a powerful choice. According to Donsaron, it's a symbol of the potential for Thai cinema to shine globally. The film, a sequel to the record-breaking Tee Yod 2 (the highest-grossing Thai film of all time), is sure to draw significant attention.

The festival's Opening Ceremony will be held on September 29 at Pinnacle Hall, ICONSIAM, with the world premiere of the film.

Festival Details

• When: September 27–October 15, 2025

• Where: Leading cinemas across Bangkok, including Major Cineplex, SF Cinema, House Samyan, and Lido Connect.

Details of film lineup is not available at press time, but you can check official channel of BKKIFF on Facebook and Instagram.

 

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