{
  "id": 7274235,
  "title": "2026 Bangkok International Film Festival opens with 155 films and free screenings",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/2026-bangkok-international-film-festival-opens-with-155-films-and",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-14T07:41:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Khaosod English",
    "slug": "khaosod-english",
    "url": "https://www.khaosodenglish.com/life/events/2026/09/14/2026-bangkok-international-film-festival-opens-with-155-films-and-free-screenings/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Bangkok International Film Festival made its triumphant return on Saturday, marking its second edition at the impressive outdoor riverside venue of ICONSIAM. The opening ceremony was nothing short of spectacular and enjoyable, with a strong representation from Thailand's film industry. This year's festival showcased the unity and camaraderie within the Thai film community, as both seasoned and emerging directors, actors, as well as commercial and new-age filmmakers participated in full force. The event also highlighted the Ministry of Culture's sponsorship, a point of particular pride for Dr Suraphong Suebwonglee, who was instrumental in THACCA's establishment under the previous government and now leads the Thai Creative Economy unit in the current administration. The festival's theme, \"Connecting Stories, Creating Opportunities,\" emphasizes its goal of projecting Thai films and forging global connections. As the guest of honor, Princess Ubolratana echoed this sentiment, urging attendees to build bridges between Thailand and the world. The opening event included a glamorous red-carpet walk, featuring renowned actors and directors from across Asia, including Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Vietnam, and Myanmar. The festival boasts an extensive lineup of 155 films from 22 countries, including award-winners from major international film festivals. These films have been meticulously curated by festival director Donsaron Kovitvanicha, who has been steering the city's film festival scene for the past three years. The festival offers a diverse range of categories, including classics, retrospectives, animations, documentaries, and a dedicated Business and Market Section for Thai filmmakers to engage with overseas film markets. The Competition section features 18 notable films, with the Thai film \"9 Temples to Heaven\" serving as the opening film and Thailand's Oscar entry. Directed by Sompot Chidgasornpongse, the movie offers a unique and memorable human perspective, earning it a place among the 155 films at the festival.",
  "summary": "Special report by Lekha Shanar The Bangkok International Film Festival, which was resurrected last year after a long hiatus, launched its second edition on Saturday. The opening event, held at the spectacular outdoor riverside location of ICONSIAM, was impressive and enjoyable. To this writer, who has been an active film-festival-goer in the city for many […] The post 2026 Bangkok International…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
        "title": "Russia opens neo-Nazism exhibition at International Festival of Youth 2026",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/russia-opens-neo-nazism-exhibition-at-international-festival-of-youth",
        "published": "2026-09-14T08:04:54.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}