Bangkok International Film Festival Returns to Reignite Thai Cinema
After nearly two decades of silence, the Bangkok International Film Festival (BKKIFF) is making a bold comeback, and it’s not just about screening films, but also reshaping Thailand’s cinematic identity and positioning Bangkok as Southeast Asia’s next major film hub.
Running from Sept. 27 to Oct. 15, 2025, BKKIFF 2025 marks a new chapter for the festival, which last held its edition in 2009. This revival is spearheaded by the Department of Cultural Promotion (DCP) under the Ministry of Culture and the newly formed Thailand Creative Culture Agency (THACCA), with a clear mission: to elevate Thai cinema on the global stage and foster international collaboration.
The festival’s theme, "Power in Collaboration," reflects its ambition to unite government, private sector, artists, and audiences in a shared cultural movement. “The film industry is one of the core elements of Thailand’s soft power,” said Dr. Surapong Suebwonglee, Chairman of the BKKIFF Organizing Committee. “It powerfully conveys our stories, ways of life, culture, and creativity to global audiences”.
BKKIFF 2025 promises to be the largest film festival in Southeast Asia, with over 200 films from more than 40 countries. The lineup spans features, shorts, documentaries, and animations, with a strong emphasis on recent releases, those that premiered within the past year, to qualify. The festival will also host masterclasses, panel discussions, and a robust film market, including over 50 booths from Thai producers and industry stakeholders.
A major highlight is the Asian and Thai Project Pitching sessions, offering a total prize pool of US$25,000 to support emerging filmmakers. The festival’s opening ceremony on Sept. 29, 2025 at ICONSIAM’s Pinnacle Hall will feature the world premiere of Tee Yod 3 (Ghost Whisperer 3), the latest installment in Thailand’s highest-grossing horror franchise.
Screenings will take place across Bangkok’s leading cinemas, including Major Cineplex, SF Cinema, House Samyan, and Lido Connect. For Gen Z and younger millennials, BKKIFF may be a new name, but its return signals a renewed commitment to storytelling, creativity, and cultural exchange.
With over 100 short film submissions received within days of its open call, the excitement is palpable.
Check out BKKIFF’s website and follow their Instagram for more information.
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