Coming-of-Age Film ‘Not Friends’ to Compete at the 96th Oscars

Set to premiere at the local cinemas starting on Oct. 26, Gross Domestic Happiness' (GDH) coming-of-age film “Not Friends” has been selected along with other Thai films to compete at the 96th Best International Film in 2024's Oscars under the Best International Film category.

Set in a high school, the story follows the journey of the not-so-happy newly transferred Pae (played by Anthony Buisseret) as he finds his high school life entangled with Joe (played by Pisitpon Ekpongpisit), an easy-going student who believes in the philosophy of humans only having 150 friends in their lives. Joe immediately adds Pae as his 150th friend, where the latter is clearly not happy about it.

Following a tragic incident, Joe sadly passed away. Seizing this moment, Pae, who did not share a close bond with Joe, used the opportunity to craft a short film as part of his university application. Through this endeavour, Pae unexpectedly forged new connections and friendships.

The National Federation of Motion Pictures and Contents Associations, also known as MPC, announced the selection of the film along with the other seven shortlisted local films: Ananta Thitanat’s “Scala Documentary,” Chatchai Katenut’s “Man Suang,” Chookiat Sakveerakul’s “Mondo,” Piyakarn Bootprasert’s “Long Live Love,” Sopon Sukdapisit’s “House for Rent,” Thapanee Loosuwan’s “Blue Again,” and Wanweaw and Weawwan Hongvivatana’s “You and Me and Me.”

“Not Friends” is directed by Thai director, Attha Hemwadee.