Bolstering Film Presence at Cannes in Anticipation of Bangkok Film Festival, Thailand
In a historic moment for Thai cinema, the surreal and poignant film "A Useful Ghost" has been selected for competition in the Critics' Week (Semaine de la Critique) section of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival 2025. This marks the first Thai film in a decade to be honoured with inclusion in this prestigious category.
Directed and written by Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke in his directorial debut, "A Useful Ghost" tells a unique story about the spirit of a deceased factory worker who continues to look after her colleagues after a tragic accident. The film is distinguished by its powerful dreamlike imagery and sharp social critique.
Starring Davika "Mai" Hoorne and Witsarut "Most" Himmarat, "A Useful Ghost" has already garnered critical acclaim, winning the top prize at Critics' Week and receiving the Open Doors Award at the Locarno International Film Festival. It was also runner-up at SEAPITCH 2020 (Bangkok ASEAN Film Festival 2020).
The film's selection at Cannes is a testament to the festival's role in showcasing fresh and innovative filmmakers. It also highlights the successful international collaboration behind the film, which is a co-production between Thailand, France, Singapore, and Germany. Funding for the production was provided by several organizations, including the Ministry of Culture's Department of Cultural Promotion and Singapore's Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA).
The Cannes Film Festival is just one stop in a series of international events for "A Useful Ghost". The film will also be screened at the Bangkok International Film Festival, which returns in January next year. THACCA, the Thailand Creative and Culture Agency, is organising a launch panel to highlight the agency's role in advancing Thailand's creative industries and to showcase the nation's soft power policy vision to international industry stakeholders.
At the festival, the Thai delegation will participate in several activities, including a Sit-down Lunch Talk and the Thai Pitching event. The aim of the Thai Pitching event is to provide an opportunity for Thai filmmakers to present their ideas and projects to investors, co-producers, and strategic international partners.
The festival will also feature a film competition, business forums, training programs for emerging filmmakers, and public film screenings. The Thailand Reception at the Thailand Pavilion offers Thai film industry professionals a chance to meet, discuss, and exchange business information with international attendees, including investors, co-producers, distributors, and representatives from key global organizations.
The selection of "A Useful Ghost" for Cannes Critics' Week signifies a historic and artistic achievement for Thai cinema, elevating a promising new filmmaker and opening doors for wider international recognition and distribution. The film's success at Cannes is a shining example of the potential for Thai cinema to captivate audiences around the world.
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