BIRD OF A DIFFERENT FEATHER / MIKKA BANNADA HAKKI
Manohara K
India
Public Screenings
Nov 22-28
Industry Days
Nov 27-29
Awards Ceremony
Nov 29
Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Total Prize Fund
$100 000
ALTERNATIVA FILM
AWARDS & FESTIVAL 2024
The Alternativa Film Awards is an alternative system for recognizing professionals from developing film industries, and it aims to make them more visible on a global scale. It honors both the artistic merits and potential social impact of cinema, the films that can bring change to the world and society, while appealing to a broad audience.
Public Screenings
Nov 22-28
Industry Days
Nov 27-29
Awards Ceremony
Nov 29
Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Total Prize Fund
$100 000
AFAF 2024. WINNERS
BIRD OF A DIFFERENT FEATHER / MIKKA BANNADA HAKKI
Manohara K
India
CU LI NEVER CRIES / CU LI KHÔNG BAO GIỜ KHÓC
Pham Ngoc Lan
Viet Nam
GRAND ME
Atiye Zare Arandi
Iran
THE ADAMANT GIRL / KOTTUKKAALI
Vinothraj PS
India
WASHHH
Mickey Lai
Malaysia
A CLEANING SERVICE / LAU LẠI ĐẦU TỪ
Nguyen Duy Anh
Viet Nam
How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies
Pat Boonnitipat
Thailand
Alternativa Film Awards 2024 nominees.
Feature films
AFTER THE SNOWMELT / XUE SHUI XIAO RONG DE JI JIE
Yi-Shan Lo
Taiwan
BIRD OF A DIFFERENT FEATHER / MIKKA BANNADA HAKKI
Manohara K
India
BREAKING THE CYCLE
Aekaphong Saransate, Thanakrit Duangmaneeporn
Thailand
CU LI NEVER CRIES / CU LI KHÔNG BAO GIỜ KHÓC
Pham Ngoc Lan
Viet Nam
DEVI
Subina Shrestha
Nepal
GRAND ME
Atiye Zare Arandi
Iran
THE ADAMANT GIRL / KOTTUKKAALI
Vinothraj PS
India
MADINA / МАДИНА
Aizhan Kassymbek
Kazakhstan
PIERCE / 刺心切骨
Nelicia Low
Singapore
SABA
Maksud Hossain
Bangladesh
TALE OF THE LAND
Loeloe Hendra Komara
Indonesia
THE GIFT / БЕЛЕК
Dalmira Tilepbergen
Kyrgyzstan
WOMEN FROM ROTE ISLAND / PEREMPUAN BERKELAMIN DARAH
Jeremias Nyangoen
Indonesia
Alternativa Film Awards 2024 nominees.
Short films
#TEEN / #BAGETS
Lester Cristal
Philippines
A CLEANING SERVICE / LAU LẠI ĐẦU TỪ
Nguyen Duy Anh
Viet Nam
ACCIDENTALLY INTENTIONAL
Kevin Rahardjo
Indonesia
CROSS MY HEART AND HOPE TO DIE
Sam Manacsa
Philippines
DEAR DAUGHTER
Hsu Pan Naing
Myanmar
HOMECOMING / SINGAIX KHRAOX
Nyi Rai
Myanmar
MAYBE SOMEDAY / KALA NANTI
Praditha Blifa Rahayu
Indonesia
MY WONDERFUL LIFE / 早安健康
Calleen Koh
Singapore
PEACELAND
Ekin Kee Charles
Malaysia
SAMU THE TERRIBLE AND HIS SIN
Dhiwangkara Seta Rachmat
Indonesia
WASHHH
Mickey Lai
Malaysia
WITHERING TREE AND DYING ASHES / 槁木与死灰
Tan Wei Ting
Singapore
NOMINATIONS
The Alternativa Film Awards are presented in five categories with a total prize fund of $100,000. We also present a special Resonance award, which does not come with a monetary prize.
FUTURE VOICE
This award is given to a filmmaker who has the potential to contribute to change, both in the film industry and in society in general. The award aims to support new talent and is given for a first or second feature.
SPOTLIGHT
This award recognizes a film highlighting a topic or story that would have otherwise remained below the public’s radar. It emphasises the importance of bringing overlooked social issues to the forefront on screen.
ALTER
This award recognizes a film that encourages social change. The award is given to a film that addresses critical issues (human rights, migration, environment, etc.) and has the potential to impact society.
NATIVA
This award goes to a film that touches on national or cultural identity topics. The award is given for representing a country or a region and putting that place or community on the map.
SHORTS AWARD
This award goes to two short films produced in the focus region. The award aims to support filmmakers who boldly forge their own paths by creating films that have a clear impact vision.
RESONANCE
A special award for a film that has achieved outstanding success with the audience.
*This prize is not part of the open call, and does not carry a monetary reward.
JURY
SELECTION COMMITTEE
A team of professionals, including festival and cultural center curators, film critics, directors, producers, and cultural journalists from Southeast Asia and other regions. Together, they review submissions and create the shortlist of nominees.
Alternativa Film Awards 2023 Winners
Sunir Pandey and Rajan Kathet, Nepal
No Winter Holidays — Nativa Award 2023
Askhat Kuchinchirekov, Kazakhstan
Bauryna Salu — Future Voice Award 2023
Katerina Suvorova, Kazakhstan
Qoryqpa — Alter Award 2023
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India
Anand Gandhi is widely regarded as the film auteur who ushered in a new wave of Indian cinema. His first film, Ship of Theseus, won the National Award for Best Picture - the Indian equivalent of an Academy Award. It was also on The Critics’ Circle, UK’s list of 15 “life-changing” films of the past century. His next film, Tumbbad - a genre film which used horror as an allegory - became the region’s most-watched genre film of the last two decades. His non-fiction production, An Insignificant Man, was India’s most commercially successful documentary film. Anand’s films have won the highest honors at the international film festivals of Toronto, Venice, Transylvania, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and have been globally distributed by Disney, Netflix, PrimeVideo, and Channel4.
Anand also produced the bestselling board games SHASN and SHASN:AZADI, now played in over 75 countries, and launched India’s first VR journalism platform, ElseVR.
He is now creating his magnum opus - a truly unprecedented narrative universe, that aims to take South Asia to the world.
Germany
Steffi Niederzoll is a distinguished German filmmaker, artist, and author known for her impactful and thought-provoking work that delves into the intersection of personal narratives and socio-political issues. She holds a degree in Film Directing from the Academy of Media Arts Cologne. Niederzoll gained significant recognition with her debut feature documentary Seven Winters in Tehran (2023), which premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival. The film, which tells a harrowing and intimate story of resistance and resilience, received widespread acclaim and won multiple prestigious awards, including the Berlinale Compass-Perspective Award, the Berlinale Peace Award, the German National Award for Best Documentary, and Best Editing. It was also honored with the El Gouna Silver Star for Documentary Film. Her distinct voice and ability to capture compelling human experiences have made her a prominent figure in contemporary documentary filmmaking. Currently, Niederzoll is working on her next project, further cementing her reputation as a filmmaker unafraid to tackle challenging and meaningful subjects.
Brazil
Carol Misorelli is a researcher, consultant, and facilitator specializing in social impact and narrative change. With a background in Visual Anthropology (M.A., Free University of Berlin), Business Administration (B.A., University of São Paulo), and International Relations (B.A., PUC São Paulo), she has been supporting social organizations across Latin America since 2013. Carol co-founded and codirects the Taturana Institute, a Brazilian nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the cinema and social impact ecosystem in Latin America. She is also a member of GIPA (Global Impact Producers Alliance) and has served on its advisory board since 2024.
Indonesia
Asmara Abigail is an Indonesian actress who has been working in South East Asia
since 2015 and her works have been shown and competed in several prestigious international film festivals, such as; Locarno, Toronto, Sundance, Venice, Palm Springs and Busan. At the 4th International Film Festival and Awards Macao, Asmara is awarded as the Asian Stars: Up Next by Variety Magazine along with 7 other actors and actresses across Asia. Asmara’s portrayal of Zahara in Stone Turtle directed by Woo Ming Jin got her nominated as Best Actress in the 75th Locarno International Film Festival 2022 and won her a Penjor Award for Southeast Asian Feature Best Actress in Bali Makarya Film Festival 2022 with Benjamin Illos – Programmer at Cannes Quinzaine des Réalisateurs as one of the juries. In August 2018 she also participated in acting workshop with maestro Enrico Bonavera, the Harlequin of the Piccolo Teatro di Milano – Teatro d’Europa. And at the beginning of 2023, she was chosen to participate in Berlinale Talents 2023 – Acting Studio under the wing of Jean- Louis Rodrigue and Kristof Konrad.
This quote perhaps best describes her for her recent work in Stone Turtle, directed by Woo Ming Jin, "Stone Turtle was one of our favourite films of the last year, and your character has so many layers, almost as if you are playing multiple roles." - Berlinale Talents.
Kazakhstan
Katerina Suvorova is a Kazakh documentary filmmaker known for her powerful and thought-provoking work. Her films draw on the everyday lived experience of diverse communities across Kazakhstan and wider Central Asia. Katerina’s feature debut SEA TOMORROW about the now disappeared Aral Sea was premiered at the Locarno IFF 2016. After successful festival screenings and awards the film was released on Netflix in 2021 .
In 2019, Katerina's social issue documentary FACE THE MUSIC about the conflict between the popular Kazakh band Ninety One and local traditionalists made a rare impact by not only participating in film festivals but also achieving commercial success in Kazakhstan's national box office.
Suvorova is the founder of the independent documentary studio TIHIY SVET (Silent Light) in Almaty, Kazakhstan, dedicated to producing films with a significant social impact.
This year Katerina premiered her feature film QORYQPA at HOT DOCS in the International Spectrum competition and is starting work on a new film MAY IT BE A GIRL.
Indonesia
Kamila Andini is an award-winning Indonesian film director and scriptwriter working in various extended medium; films, theatre, visual art, TV series and some other audio-visual works. Her concern of social culture, gender equity and environmental issue lead her passion to make films with a distinctive perspective of telling a story
She made her debut with an indigenous-sea-wanderer film titled The Mirror Never Lies in 2011. Her second film The Seen and Unseen won the International Grand Prix at Berlinale generation kplus competition 2018. She is later on adapt the film into a dance theatre work with the same title which performed at Esplanade Singapore and Asia Topa Melbourne 2019.
Her last two films Yuni won the grand prix at Toronto International Film Festival 2021, and Before Now and Then won the silver bear award for Best Supporting Actress at main competition Berlinale International Film Festival 2022. Last year she released Indonesia’s first Netflix series Cigarette Girl, following her passion and intention to create more female perspective modern-local stories for global audience.
Iran
Amir Masoud Soheili is an Iranian filmmaker, festival programmer, and photographer, best known for his films Blue-eyed Boy (2014) and Elephantbird (2019). His creative work has earned him over 40 awards from more than 300 international film festivals.
Passionate about empowering local communities through cinema, Masoud is renowned for making films in conflict zones such as Afghanistan and Syria. He has served as a jury member at over 10 film festivals, including the Yogya Netpac Asian Film Festival, the Avanca International Film Festival in Portugal, and the International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala in India. Masoud is also the co-founder and creative director of the Asia Peace Film Festival in Islamabad, Pakistan. Additionally, he programs for the Changing Perspective International Film Festival in Istanbul, Turkey, Minikino Film Week in Bali, Indonesia, and The Bay International Film Festival in the UK.
Soheili holds a bachelor's degree in law from Ferdowsi University and studied cinema at the Indonesian Art Institute in Yogyakarta for a year. He participated in the Asian Film Academy in 2016 and completed the International Film Business program at the Busan Asian Film School in 2018.
In 2024, Masoud graduated with a Master's degree in Scriptwriting from the KinoEyes European Film Masters, having studied in Lisbon, Portugal; Tallinn, Estonia; and Edinburgh, Scotland.
In addition to filmmaking, Masoud is a skilled photographer and videographer, with his work featured on platforms like National Geographic, AJ+, VICE Media, TRT, Great Big Story, VOA, and Business Insider. His feature-length documentary premiered at the Yamagata Film Festival in Japan in 2023. He has also produced several environmental and social justice-themed documentaries, including Co-exist and Land of Demons.
Indonesia
Adrian Jonathan Pasaribu is the co-founder of Cinema Poetica — a collective of film critics, activists, and researchers in Indonesia. Having earned a Master’s degree in Film Studies from the Universiteit van Amsterdam in 2023, Adrian nowadays works as a curator for Jakarta Film Week and as a researcher for Arts Equator’s Southeast Asian Arts Censorship Database.
Indonesia
Yuki Aditya (b. Jakarta) graduated from the University of Indonesia majoring in Fiscal Administration. He is now the Artistic Director of ARKIPEL International Documentary and Experimental Film Festival which has been held since 2013, and also acted as a producer of films produced by Forum Lenteng; Golden Memories: Petite histoire of Indonesian Cinema (2018), Om Pius…This is My Home, Come the Sleeping (2019), Dolo (2021). Along with I Gde Mika, was a co-creator of the film The Myriad of Faces of Future Challengers (2022). At Forum Lenteng, he is part of the routine screening program team curating world cinema with Indonesian subtitles for the cinema literacy program. He has participated as a jury member in several film festivals, such as Kasseler Dokfest (Germany), Festival Film Dokumenter (Indonesia), and Taiwan International Documentary Film Festival.
Czechia
Martin Horyna is a freelance story consultant, curator, festival programmer, and occasional film critic. He has been working for the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF) since 2011, initially as a programmer, currently he advises KVIFF on Asian cinema and experimental films. He serves as the acting president of FIPRESCI's Czech national section and is a member of EFA and the Slovak Audiovisual Fund's expert committee. In 2019, Screen International listed him among the "Future Leaders" of film programming and curation.
Kazakhstan
Gulnara Abikeeva is a film scholar, Doctor of Art History, President of the Association of Film Critics of Kazakhstan, and a board member of the Network for the Promotion of Asia Pacific Cinema (NETPAC). She is also a recipient of the French l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.
She regularly participates as a jury member at Berlinale and other prestigious film festivals, and served as the artistic director of the Eurasia International Film Festival in Almaty in 2005-2013, 2022. Among her books on Central Asian cinema are Cinema in Central Asia: Rewriting Cultural Histories, published in the United Kingdom, and The Unknown New Wave of Central Asian Cinema, published in South Korea.
Singapore
Philip Cheah is a film critic and programme consultant and advisor to film festivals in Shanghai (China), Jogjakarta (Indonesia), Alternativa Film Awards (Central Asia) and Hanoi (Vietnam).
He co-founded the South-east Asian Film Festival and is Patron of the SEA (South-east Asia) Screen Academy in Makassar, Indonesia. He is also Spiritual Advisor to the Bakunawa Young Cinema Film Festival (Philippines).
He is co-editor of the books, Garin Nugroho: And the Moon Dances; Noel Vera: Critic After Dark: a Review of Philippine Cinema and Ngo Phuong Lan: Modernity and Nationality in Vietnamese Cinema. He is also editor of the book, When East Meets East: The Emerging Asian Film Co-Production Landscape.
Tajikistan
Sharofat Arabova is a film director, screenwriter, expert in Asian cinema, and author of monographs on Tajik cinema, as well as a PhD in historical sciences. She is also a member of the Filmmakers’ Union of Tajikistan and the Network for the Promotion of Asia Pacific Cinema (NETPAC). She regularly serves on the juries of Asian and European film festivals.
Malaysia
Chong Lee Yow is a film lecturer at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak. Apart from teaching, researching, and making films, he curates and directs the longest-running short film festival in Malaysia, the Mini Film Festival.
Vietnam
Ha Le Diem is a Vietnamese director and artist. In 2016 she organized filmmaking classes for Hmong children. One of the participants became the main character of “Children of the Mist,” Diem’s first feature. The film premiered at the International Documentary Festival Amsterdam in 2021, where Diem won the Best Directing award.
During its festival run, the film was invited to around 150 events and garnered 36 awards. It was also shortlisted for Best Documentary Feature at the 95th Oscars. Diem is now making her second film, “Long Way North," in northwestern Vietnam.
Vietnam
Marcus Manh Cuong Vu is a Vietnamese filmmaker. His debut feature MEMENTO MORI: EARTH (2022), for which he wrote, directed, and co-produced had its world premiere in the New Currents section of the 27th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). The film won the NETPAC Award at the 1st Danang Asian Film Festival 2023. Marcus has regularly taught scriptwriting techniques in basic and advanced workshops since 2020. He joined the S-Express network in 2016 and is responsible for Vietnamese short films. He also curated films for SeaShorts, the Asian Film Symposium, Alternativa.
Vietnam
Truong Que Chi is a Hanoi-based artist and curator working in the domains of cinema, visual arts, and performing arts. In 2022 she was a co-curator “Echoes, Embers – A Story of Vietnamese and French cinema” at the Asian Film Archive, Singapore. She also served as a curator for Như Trăng Trong Đêm (Like the Moon in the Night Sky) project. This series of events, based in Hanoi, focuses on Vietnamese cinema across different genres and periods.
Que Chi has collaborated with various art spaces such as District Berlin, Germany (2023), Kings Artists Run Gallery, Australia (2020), A+ Works of Art Gallery, Malaysia (2019), Objectifs Centre for Photography and Film, Singapore (2017) in showcasing moving image works from Vietnam.
Since 2015, she has been a board member of the Hanoi-based artist initiative Nhà Sàn Collective and a film lecturer at the Hanoi University of Theatre and Cinema.
Nepal
Rajan is a filmmaker based in Kathmandu, working in both fiction and documentary films. He is an alumnus of the European Masters DOCNOMADS program (2014-2016), Berlinale Talents (2017, 2024), and the Global Media Makers LA Residency (2021/22). Rajan's first feature documentary, No Winter Holidays, won the NATIVA Award at the Alternativa Film Awards 2023 in Kazakhstan and is also a recipient of the DMZ Docs Industry Fund, the HAF/WIP Documentary, and the HAF Goes to Cannes Award.
Rajan recently served as a juror for the IDA Documentary Awards 2023 and is both a board member and a selection committee member at the Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival. Rajan is a tutor in local film schools and filmmaking workshops. Additionally, he collaborates with national and international filmmakers through his production company, Salpa Films.
Indonesia
John Badalu has been working in the film industry for more than 20 years. He has worked for festivals like Berlinale, the Shanghai International Film Festival, and BiFan (Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival) as a film delegate and scout. He is also the co-founder of a queer and human rights-focused Q! Film Festival in Indonesia (2002-2016). He is an Ashoka Fellow. As an independent producer, he has produced several award-winning films that premiered in Cannes, Berlin, Sundance, Locarno and Rotterdam.
Philippines
Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala is an Emmy-nominated documentary producer, impact producer and
broadcast journalist. She co-founded the production company Storytellers International Inc..
She produced Delikado (2022), a documentary on land defenders who battle illegal logging in
the island of Palawan, Philippines. The film was nominated for an Emmy in the Outstanding
Investigative Documentary category. She also produced other multi awarded film 11,103
(2022), Call Her Ganda) (2018), and Batas Militar (1997).
Kara has produced documentaries for ARD German TV, Cable News Network (CNN), the History
Channel, and the Australian Broadcasting Company. She has reported for the Public
Broadcasting Service, Voice of America and the ABS-CBN News Channel. She has been jury for
the Emmy Awards, News and Documentary category since 2020.
She is a member of the Advisory Committee of the Global Impact Producers Alliance. She is
President of the Filipino Documentary Society and Board Member of the Board of Trustees of Q
Cinema. She was a member of the core team for Doc Society’s Good Pitch Southeast Asian
team in Indonesia in 2017.
Indonesia
Darmawan Triwibowo is an Indonesian activist who currently serves as the Executive Director of Kurawal Foundation, a social justice philanthropy based in Jakarta. He embraces artivism in his work to promote democracy values and practices in Southeast Asia through various collaboration with documentary film makers, photographers, comic artist, and other artivists. He obtained his mater degree in Public Policy and Administration from University of Missouri, St. Louis in 2012.
Indonesia
Alia Damaihati is one of the program managers of Forum Film Dokumenter, which started in 2006. She learned and studied film programming and exhibition management at Kinoki and several workshops. She currently serves as Program Director at Festival Film Dokumenter.
Indonesia
Sugar has been actively involved in film festivals and alternative cinema for about 15 years, participating in various film festivals, workshops, and collaborative programs both nationally and internationally. Sugar served as Director of the Madani International Film Festival from 2018 to 2023 and has been a part of the Indonesian Film Festival (FFI) jury department team since 2021. She is a curator at the Plaza Indonesia Film Festival since 2015 and the Head of the Film Committee at the Jakarta Arts Council 2024-2026.
Indonesia
Varadila is a specialist in documentary project development and film financing forum management. She was a Program Director for Docs by the Sea, a documentary incubator and pitching forum for Southeast Asian documentaries held annually in Indonesia. In addition, she has years of experience in film curation and programming through her works with Jakarta International Film Festival, minikino, and Erasmusindocs. She has served as a member of the selection committee, panel speaker, moderator, pitch trainer, and juror for international and regional film festivals including Sheffield DocFest, Open City Documentary Festival, Nordisk Panorama Forum, Festival Film Dokumenter Yogyakarta, and Luang Prabang Film Festival.
Indonesia
Nauval Yazid completed a Bachelor of Arts degree from National University of Singapore in 2002. Started working in film as a publicity officer in Jakarta International Film Festival in 2006, until becoming the festival co-director in 2010. Joined a film company, Salto Film, in the marketing and distribution section in 2011. Together with Ade Kusumaningrum and Michael Ratnadwijanti founded Median Publicist in 2012, one of few companies in Indonesia that solely focuses on film promotion and publicity for local films. Worked as a program director for one of Indonesia’s biggest short film festivals, XXI Short Film Festival from 2012-2016, and sat as a jury member for Piala Citra, the Indonesian Academy Awards, for the short film category, in 2014, 2015, 2022 (selection team) and 2023. Currently worked as the festival co-director of the biggest European film festival in South East Asia, Europe on Screen, since 2018.
Thailand
Chalida Uabumrungjit graduated in film from Thammasat University and film archiving from University of East Anglia,UK. She is one of the founding members of Thai Short Film and Video Festival which she has served as Festival Director since 1997. She was involved in making a number of experimental films and documentaries. She is also one of the selection committee of AND (Asian Network of Documentary) from 2006-2018. She has served as the Director of the Film Archive, Thailand since 2019.
Myanmar
Sein Lyan Tun is a filmmaker from Myanmar, currently residing in Recollets Residency, Paris. His latest short film “Everybody’s Gotta Love Sometimes” got selected in Busan International Film Festival 2023 under “Wide Angle Aisa Short Film Official Competition” and won “Sonje Special Mention Award”. Also his short film Late Blooming In A Lonely Summer Day has been selected in some international competitions like the Internationale Kurzfilmtage Winterthur, Festival du Court Métrage de Clermont Ferrand, and Locarno Filmmakers Academy. The Beer Girl In Yangon is his first feature film, which won two Development prizes from CNC and Swiss Films under Locarno Open Doors at Locarno Open Doors 2021, which was selected at Cannes L'atelier Cinéfondation 2022, Torino Feature Lab 2023. His first feature documentary The Bamboo Family which was selected at IDFA Academy and received IDFA development grants in 2022. In 2023, selected to VdR–pitching forum and won “Cannes Docs Award” and “Doc Leipzig Award”. In 2024, he founded “Dosiciné” to help Burmese young filmmakers in Myanmar in order to help their film project dossier.
Philippines
Baby Ruth Villarama specialises in producing documentaries as a director, producer. She started her career doing current-affair stories for national television before she got commissioned to do international stories for AsiaWorks, NHK, EuroNews, NatGeo, and others linking Europe and Asia through stories.
Baby Ruth earned her master’s degree in film marketing and distribution with commendation from Birmingham City University as a Chevening scholar, where she won the UK Global Alumni Award for social impact in influencing conversations and policy improvements on modern-day slavery through her films. She is the director behind Sunday Beauty Queen, the first documentary that won Best Picture at the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). The film paved way in the creation of a dedicated Department of Migrant Workers to champion millions of Filipino migrant workers.
She’s a co-founder of Voyage Film Studios and Filipino Documentary Society — organisations that champion socially-relevant films to the Filipino audience as well as key international festivals.
Villarama is part of the executive board of the Directors’ Guild of the Philippines (DGPI) - a prime mover of Philippine television and cinema, and a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) under the documentary branch.
Cambodia
Kavich NEANG studied music and dance at a young age at Cambodian Living Arts before graduating in professional design from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology in 2013. In 2010, he directed his first short film, A SCALE BOY, as part of a documentary film workshop led by Cambodian filmmaker Rithy Panh. He joined Cannes Cinéfondation's Residency in 2017-18. His debut feature film, WHITE BUILDING, won the Orizzonti Award for Best Actor at the 2021 Venice Film Festival.
Brunei
A producer with great passion in visual storytelling and a vision to develop Brunei’s film industry by nurturing local talents and international networking.
Indonesia
Lulu Ratna was born in Jakarta, graduated from Anthropology, University of Indonesia (1997) and Urban Art and Cutural Industry Postgraduate School, Jakarta Institute of Arts (2020). She worked as film festival organiser since 1999, from Jakarta International Film Festival to ChopShots Documentary Film Festival Southeast Asia. Since then she served as the programmer and jury in numerous pitching forums and film festivals. Actively involved in Boemboe Organization (Indonesian short film program outreach) and facilitated film festival workshops with Coordination for Film Festival in Indonesia/COFFIE. Now she’s teaching at the Film Major, Universitas Multimedia Nusantara and also part of the organising committee in UCIFEST - UMN Animation & Film Festival. She is one of the Program Advisor in International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam/IDFA since 2021. In 2024 she is part of IDOCLAB organiser and published a book about how to organise film festival based on practices in Indonesia.
Myanmar
THAIDDHI is a Filmmaker, Producer, and also Film Programmer. He studies Filmmaking at FAMU in the Czech Republic for 3 years master's degree program in Cinema and Digital Media. He co-founded Wathann Film Festival in 2011 and worked as a Programmer for the festival. In 2013 he founded Third Floor Film Production to produce Myanmar Independent films. He also served as the independent programmer and jury for international film festivals.
Director: Yi-Shan Lo
Taiwan · 2024 · 1h 48m · Documentary, Hybrid
Languages Mandarin, Nepali,
English
Subtitles English
Synopsis
It is a coming-of-age tale where youth grapple with their first profound loss. Filmmaker Yi-Shan's
best friends Chun and Yueh were trapped in a Nepal cave for 47 days. Chun died three days before Yueh's
rescue, prompting Yi-Shan to take up the camera and retrace her friends' footsteps in Nepal. When
Yi-Shan reaches the cave, what awaits her there?
Crew
Producers: Yung-Shuang Chen, Tze-Lan Cho, Yi-Shan Lo
Co-producers: Asako Fujioka, Documentary Dream Center; Angel Wen Chen, Hope Content Marketing
Co., Ltd.
Cinematography: Yi-Shan Lo, Wei-Long Tsai
Sound Design: Yannick Dauby
Editor: Jessica Wan-Yu Lin
Awards, Nominations & Screenings
Visions du Réel 2024 / World premiere, Burning Lights Competition
Jeonju International Film Festival 2024 / Asian premiere, International Competition
Docs Against Gravity Film Festival 2024 / First Appearance Competition
Selector‘s Statement
“A touching story of friendship, love, and a journey reminiscing about the loneliness that awaited
them. It's a powerful way to bring in the nuances of the coming-of-age process, especially with
challenges faced by teenagers grappling with gender identity. Incredible emphasis on harmonized visual
approach and by editing craft on this film has as an offer the complexity of stories; thoughtful, truthful,
and touching in an impressive layer.”
— Alia Damaihati (Indonesia), Program Director of Festival Film Dokumenter in Yogyakarta, AFAF24
Selection Committee member
Director: Manohara K
India · 2024 · 1h 29m · Drama, Comedy
Language Kannada
Subtitles English
Synopsis
Coming of age story of a 12 year old girl with albinism.
Key Cast
Jayashree, Rekha Kudligi, Manisha
Crew
Director: Manohara K
Screenplay: Manohara K and Sonia S
Producer: Konanur Productions
Editing: Shivakumara Swamy
Awards, Nominations & Screenings
Shanghai International Film Festival 2024 / World Premier, Best Actress Award in the Asian New Talent Competition, Nominee for Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography in the Asian New Talent Competition
Jordan Children's Film Festival 2024 / MENA premiere, Best Feature Film Award, Nominee for the Children's Jury Award, UNICEF Special Award, and Audience Award
Director’s Biography
Manohara K comes from a very poor rural background. He first acted as a lead in Prithvi Konanur’s film Railway Children at the age of 13, portraying a runaway child. For this role, Manohara won the National Film Award and the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Child Actor in 2017. He went on to play supporting roles in Prithvi’s films, including Pinki Elli? and Hadinelentu, and worked as an assistant director during the making of Hadinelentu. In 2019, Manohara co-wrote the screenplay for Bird of a Different Feather with Sonia S, based on her autobiographical novel of the same name. They were both just 17 at the time. Due to COVID-19 and difficulties in casting the lead role, the film was not completed until 2024, when Manohara turned 22. This marks his debut as a film director.
Director’s Filmography
2024 Bird of a Different Feather
Selector‘s Statement
“The film is an intriguing blend of memoir and re-enacted scenes, where actors seem to forget they’re being filmed and simply live on screen. It features sincere observations of daily life in a documentary style, highlighting the struggles of people trying to make ends meet. The authenticity comes from the director’s intimate knowledge of the Kannada community, drawn from personal experiences. Additionally, it balances tragic and ironic elements while addressing albinism in a lighthearted yet meaningful way, transforming a serious topic into feel-good humor.”
— Sharofat Arabova (Tajikistan), film scholar, AFAF24 Selection Committee member
Director: Aekaphong Saransate, Thanakrit Duangmaneeporn
Thailand · 2024 · 2h · Documentary
Language Thai
Subtitles English
Synopsis
Breaking the Cycle captures the political awakening among Thais after the rise and fall of Thanatorn, a young politician who calls to end the cycle of coups d’état. The film explores the 2019 election in Thailand, which marked the end of five years of full military rule and a new group of young politicians who campaign against an authoritarian constitution, sparking hope and a once-in-a-generation pro-democracy youth movement.
Key Cast
Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, Pannika Wanich, Piyabutr Saengkanokkul
Crew
Producers: Komtouch Napattaloongi, Tanwarat Sombatwattana
Cinematography: Thanakrit Duangmaneeporn
Editor: Aekaphong Saransate
Awards, Nominations & Screenings
Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival 2024 / World Premiere
VC Film Festival (formerly Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival) 2024 / US Premiere Sheffield DocFest / European Premiere, Tim Hetherington Award Nominee
Selector‘s Statement
“Breaking the Cycle is a captivating documentary that explores the inspiring rise of Thailand's youth movement. This debut feature from an emerging filmmaker delves into the tumultuous political landscape of Thailand, introducing viewers to a new generation of young politicians yearning for genuine democracy. The film's clear presentation of a universal story with local flavor makes it accessible to all ages. It is likely to inspire young audiences to make change and has a profound impact on understanding the power of youth activism."
— Sugar Nadia Azier (Indonesia), Curator at the Plaza Indonesia Film Festival, Head of the Film Committee at the Jakarta Arts Council, AFAF24 Selection Committee member
Director: Pham Ngoc Lan
Vietnam · 2024 · 1h 32m · Drama
Language Vietnamese
Subtitles English
Synopsis
A woman tries to cling onto dimming links to her past after inheriting a pygmy slow loris from her long-estranged husband. Meanwhile, her niece prepares for marriage as the young couple ponders their gloomy future together. The present and the complex echoes of Vietnamese history are entwined before a contemplative and poetic perspective.
Key Cast
Minh Chau, Ha Phuong, Xuan An, Hoang Ha
Crew
Screenplay: Pham Ngoc Lan, Nghiem Quynh Trang
Producers: Nghiem Quynh Trang, Tran Thi Bich Ngoc
Production Companies: Cadence Studio, An Nam Productions
Co-producers: mSu Ching Teh, Weijie Lai, Claire Lajoumard, Bradley Liew, Bianca Balbuena, Verona Meier
Co-production Companies: Purple Tree Content, E&W Films, Acrobates Films, Epicmedia Productions Inc, Ape & Bjørn / Storm Films
Executive Producers: Su Ching Teh, GIang Le
Cinematographers: Vu Hoang Trieu, Nguyen Vinch Phuc, Nguyen Phan Linh Dan
Sound Recording: To Hieu, Nguyen Ngoc Tan, Hoang Thu Thuy, Truong Quang Cong
Sound Design: Arnaud Soulier
Editor: Julie Béziau
Composer: Tran Kim Ngoc
Production design: Nghiem Quynh Trang
Awards, Nominations & Premieres
Berlinale 2024 / World premiere, GWFF Best First Feature Award, Panorama Audience Award Nominee
New Directors New Films Festival 2024 / North American premiere
Las Palmas International Film Festival / Best Performance Award
Jeonju International Film Festival 2024 / Asian premiere, Best Picture Award, Grand Prize Nominee
Selector’s Statement
“The film explores Mrs. Nguyen's resilience amid changing times, symbolized by the title ‘Cu Li’, which refers to unskilled laborers, exotic lorises, or a medicinal plant. Having once been part of the labor force in East Germany, her journey to scatter ashes at a Vietnamese hydro plant immerses her in memories of her youth. Through themes of generational divide, cultural loss, nostalgia, and selective memory, the film's slow pace, striking cinematography, and black-and-white aesthetics capture the essence of Vietnam’s contemporary atmosphere."
— Sharofat Arabova (Tajikistan), film scholar, AFAF24 Selection Committee member
Director: Subina Shrestha
Nepal · 2024 · 1h 20m · Documentary
Language Nepali
Subtitles English
Synopsis
Nepal's Civil War ended in 2006, but not for Devi, rebel warrior, mother and sexual violence survivor. As those in power try to erase rape from the history of the war, Devi has to battle her own demons before she can begin to build a movement to fight for justice.
Crew
Producers: Rosie Garthwaite, Heejung Oh, Subina Shrestha, Ashmita Chaudhary Khadka
Director of Photography: Bishnu Kalpit
Executive Producers: Sigrid Dyekjær, Dennis Paul, Danielle Turkov Wilson, Amy Shepherd
Editors: Phil Jandaly, Nicole Hálová
Original Score and Sound Design: Craig Sutherland
Awards, Nominations & Screenings
Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival 2024 / World Premiere, Honourable mention by Jury in the Best Social Impact Documentary category
Documentary Edge Festival 2024 / International Premiere, Edge of Impact Award
Selector‘s Statement
“The film focuses on rape cases during the Nepal civil war, highlighting a strong woman who leads the justice movement. As the protagonist confronts her own trauma and that of others, the film reveals the long and difficult road ahead for justice. Deeply moving, it blends anger and sadness while addressing survivors' struggles, women's rights, and political turmoil. The film transcends storytelling, serving as a movement and achieving its impact through well-executed narrative, visuals, and overall direction.”
— Varadila Nurdin (Indonesia), curator, film programmer, and specialist in documentary project development, AFAF24 Selection Committee member
Director: Atiye Zare Arandi
Iran · 2024 · 1h 18 min · Documentary
Language Persian
Subtitles English
Synopsis
Melina is a young Iranian girl with divorced parents, living with her grandparents. Celebrating her 9th birthday, Melina legally comes of age in Iranian society, allowing her to take her custody case to court to get the legal permission to live with her mother. Melina is growing up much too fast having to deal with these adult issues. As she starts to realize her mother doesn’t want to take her in, Melina decides not to bring her case to court, knowing it won’t solve her problems. Instead, she holds her own trail of her mother in an intimate but hard confrontation.
Crew
Storytelling: Atiye Zare Arandi, Bram Crols
Producers: Bram Crols, Atiye Zare Arandi, Mark Daems
Junior Producer: Nina Payrhuber
Editing: Katarina Turler
Sound Design: Raf Enckels
Color Grading: Raf Claes
Awards, Nominations & Premiers
CPH:DOX 2024 / International premiere, NEXT:WAVE Award
Director’s Biography
Atiye Zare Arandi was raised and educated with the heritage of the great traditional Persian art of telling stories and fables. She studied film directing with a focus on fictional narrative and continued to excel in her studies of dramatic literature. Currently she lives and works both in Isfahan and Tehran. Atiye has gained experience and recognition as writer/director for national Iranian fiction as well as documentary work. Her work has been represented several times at the International Cinema Verité Festival in Tehran.
Director’s Filmography
2024 Grand Me
Selector’s Statement
“Grand Me first of all shines in its structural brilliance by turning its pivotal scene - the car argument between daughter and mother - into a narrative backbone which accompanies us throughout the whole film. But more importantly, the film's sensitivity towards its protagonist's perspective helps us understand how crucial it is that children should be able to express their thoughts and feelings in a freer, more direct way. The end result is an insightful, profoundly moving film that will make us think about the impact modern life has wrought upon the concept of family, and how we should move forward."
— Hà Lệ Diễm (Vietnam), award winning film director and artist, AFAF24 Selection Committee member
Director: PS Vinothraj
India · 2024 · 1h 41m · Drama
Language Tamil
Subtitles English
Synopsis
When a 21-year-old girl falls in love with a boy from an oppressed caste, her infuriated family believes that she is possessed by his love spell. They ruthlessly drag her to a distant village shaman to break the spell and erase all her memories of him until she forgets his face by performing witchcraft and sacrificing a rooster. The girl’s innocent future is now dictated by the violent misogynistic patriarchs and their regressive ideologies. This one-day travel exposes the dangerous influence of caste, religion and chauvinism on an average Indian family. Will the girl and the rooster survive this lunacy or will they be victims to their belief system?
Key Cast
Soori Muthuchamy, Anna Ben
Crew
Story and Screenplay: PS Vinothraj
Director of Photography: B. Sakthi Vel
Editing: Ganesh Siva
Art Director: Kingsley Paul S
Sound Design: Suren G & S. Alagia Koothan
Publicity Design: Kabilan
VFX: Sekar Murugan
Stills: Chegu
Sync Sound: Raghav Ramesh
Executive Producer: Banu Priya
Awards, Nominations & Screenings
WP Berlinale Forum 2024 / World premiere
Transilvania International Film Festival 2024 / Special Jury Award
Golden Apricot Yerevan International Film Festival 2024 / Feature Competition
Amazon Prime premiere September 2024
Director’s Biography
PS Vinothraj is a filmmaker from Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. His debut feature Koozhangal (Pebbles), made in 2021, was inspired by his personal life. The film had its world premiere at the Rotterdam International Film Festival and won the prestigious Tiger Award. It was also selected as India’s official entry for the Oscars 2022.
Selector‘s Statement
“In this film, Meena, a young woman in love with a man from a lower caste, faces familial disapproval rooted in societal norms. Taken to a shaman for "healing," her story unfolds within the complex layers of caste, tradition, and modernity in India. Marriage symbolizes familial union, often stifling individual desires. Meena's silence serves as a political act, questioning her fate and challenging societal norms without outright defiance. The film invites empathy and reflection on the intersection of personal feelings and cultural expectations, urging audiences to reconsider their perspectives.”
— Yuki Aditya (Indonesia), Artistic Director of ARKIPEL International Documentary and Experimental Film Festival, AFAF24 Selection Committee member
Director: Aizhan Kassymbek
Kazakhstan · 2023 · 1h 13m · Drama
Language Kazakh
Subtitles English
Synopsis
Madina is a mother to a two-year-old daughter, a caring sister to her introverted brother, and a loving granddaughter. Living in a winter city by the Caspian Sea, her life is filled with challenges. What hides inside this woman who fights for child support and unravels a terrifying secret about her brother? Disappointment, coldness, and fear abound, but within Madina, there lies the strength, determination, and courage to awaken the sea within, protecting herself and her loved ones from the injustices of a harsh and frigid world.
Key Cast
Madina Akylbekova, Alibek Adiken
Crew
Editing: Aidan Sydykbek
DOP: Aigul Nurbulatova
Production Designer: Ayana Nurdinova
Sound: Ilya Gariev
Composer: Robert Ziganshin
Color Grading: Aidos Zhumurov
Awards, Nominations & Screenings
Tokyo International Film Festival 2023 / World premiere
Selector’s Statement
“Madina, directed by female director Aizhan Kassymbek from Kazakhstan, tells the story of a single mother who teaches dance during the day and works in a burlesque club at night. The film was shot in winter and such a color scheme was specially chosen (the cinematographer is also a woman, Aigul Nurbulatova) to convey Madina’s inner feeling: the coldness of society, anxiety, social insecurity, a feeling of loneliness. The film also delicately touches on the topic of sexual violence, after which a woman cannot return to normal life for a long time."
— Gulnara Abikeyeva (Kazakhstan), film scholar, President of the Association of Film Critics of Kazakhstan, AFAF24 Selection Committee member
Director: Nelicia Low
Singapore · 2024 · 1h 48m · Thriller, Drama, Sports
Language Mandarin
Subtitles English
Synopsis
When his beloved but dangerous older brother is released from prison, high school fencer Zijie believes he is innocent and goes behind their mother‘s back to help him, only to realize the brother he has idealized might only be a fantasy.
Key Cast
Hsiu-Fu Liu, You-Ning Tsao, Ding Ning
Crew
Screenplay: Nelicia Low
Executive producers: John M. Lo , Daniel Young, Jennifer Jao, Lin Tien Kuei
Producers: Sam Chua Weishi , Jeremy Chua, Patrick Mao Huang, Izabela Igel, John M. Lo
Co-producers: Evril Kuo, Hsu Kuo-Lun, Andrzej Lucjanek, Eric Mendelsohn
Director of photography: Michal Dymek PSC
Production Designers: Marcus Cheng, Hsu Kuei-Ting
Costume Designer: Lee Ruo-Shiun
Editors: Nelicia Low, Eric Mendelsohn
Co-editor: John F. Lyons
Composer: Piotr Kurek
Sound Designer: Tu Duu-Chih , Wu Shu-Yao
VFX Supervisor: Tomi Kuo
Awards, Nominations & Screenings
Karlovy Vary International Film Festival 2024 / World Premiere, Best Director Crystal Globe Award
New York Asian Film Festival 2024 / North American Premiere, Official Selection
Selector‘s Statement
“What happens when deep sibling love is slowly eroded by mistrust? How do we cope with the unsettling realization that those closest to us may not be as virtuous as we believed? Nelicia Low‘s gripping atmospheric thriller explores these questions in a film that is both psychologically compelling and emotionally piercing. With a narrative full of layered, unpredictable twists and a charming air of mystery, it naturally weaves LGBTQ+ themes into its dramatic fabric, urging us toward more open and honest conversations with our loved ones. And at its core, it challenges the notion of always prioritizing family values over personal integrity.”
— Martin Horyna (Czech Republic), festival programmer, Karlovy Vary IFF advisor on Asian cinema and experimental films, President of FIPRESCI‘s Czech national section, AFAF24 Selection Committee member
Director: Maksud Hossain
Bangladesh · 2024 · 1h 35m · Drama
Language Bengali
Subtitles English
Synopsis
In Dhaka, Bangladesh, twenty-five-year old Saba lives with and cares for her demanding mother, Shirin. As Shirin’s need for medical treatment increases, it falls on her daughter to find the money to pay for it. Securing a job at a local Shisha bar, Saba befriends the free-spirited Ankur and, for the first time, begins to envision what a life of her own could look like. This moving mother-daughter drama - and debut from filmmaker Maksud Hossain - offers a poignant look at the realities of end-of-life care and the delicate balance between love and guilt, codependence and autonomy.
Key Cast
Mehazabien Chowdhury, Rokeya Prachy, Mostafa Monwar
Crew
Writer: Maksud Hossain
Co-writer: Trilora Khan
Producers: Uri Singer, Arifur Rahman, Tamim Abdul Majid, Maksud Hossain, Trilora Khan, Mehazabien Chowdhury, Barkat Hossain Polash
Director of Photography: Barkat Hossain Polash
Awards, Nominations & Screenings
Toronto International Film Festival 2024 / World Premiere
Busan International Film Festival 2024 / Asian Premiere
Selector‘s Statement
“Saba gently, yet firmly, critiques lack of access and opportunity in many aspects of life for disabled people. The situation allows director Maksud Hossain in creating an engaging and emotional mother-and-daughter drama filled with heart-tugging punchlines, and genuine performances. This is the director's feature length directorial debut, which makes this already towering achievement even more remarkable.”
— Nauval Yazid (Indonesia), Co-director of Europe on Screen Film Festival, AFAF24 Selection Committee member
Director: Loeloe Hendra Komara
Indonesia · 2024 · 1h 38m · Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Language Indonesian
Subtitles English
Synopsis
Haunted by the memory of witnessing her parents’ death on land, May now lives with Tuha, her grandfather, in a floating house - adrift on a lake far from land. Their homeland is now transformed into a mining area. Due to her past, now May is plagued by a mysterious condition that causes her to faint whenever she steps on land. The villagers believe May is cursed, a belief that isolates her further. Deep down, May longs to reclaim her life back on land - but she’s unsure how. When Lawa, a security candidate for the mining company enters her life, May sees a new hope. Lawa can help her get back to the land. But as soon as they try, an ominous incident befalls Tuha. It’s a stark reminder that the land remains a dangerous place. As Tuha’s health declines and ultimately fails, May is left at a crossroads, torn between fulfilling her grandfather’s dying wish to continue her isolated life on the water or risking everything to confront the dangers of the land.
Key Cast
Shenina Cinnamon, Arswendy Beningswara, Yusuf Mahardika, Angga Yunanda
Crew
Screenplay: Loeloe Hendra Komara
Producers: Yulia Evina Bhara, Amerta Kusuma
Co-Producers: Armi Rae Cacanindin, Robin Moran, Pinkan Veronique, Kuek Shee Heng, Alice You
Line Producer: Said Nurhidayat
Production Designer: Sigit D. Pratama
Director of Photography: Fahrul Tri Hikmawan
Sound: L.H. Aim Adi Negara, Vincent Villa
Music Composer: Teresa Barrozo
Makeup and Wardrobe: Anismcaw
Editor: Carlo Francisco Manatad
Unit Production Manager: Wimba Hinu Satama
Awards, Nominations & Screenings
Busan International Film Festival 2024 / World Premiere
Selector‘s Statement
“For a nation primarily made up of water, Indonesia sure has a strange fixation on the land and this is reflected in its cinematic legacy. In a dreamy roundabout way, Tale of the Land plays on this irony by simply allowing its heroine to only live on water. And by doing so, the film transforms into a thoughtful metaphor on our landlocked mode of togetherness. The floating house, the missing buffalo, and the enduring traces of violence - all challenges us to rethink the political dimensions of the land that we call home, and the waters around it that we often marginalize yet exploit endlessly from. Tale of the Land never offers a stable ground for reflection and, given the entangled politics that govern our land, it's probably the most fitting position to be in.”
— Adrian Jonathan Pasaribu (Indonesia), curator for Jakarta Film Week, AFAF24 Selection Committee member
Director: Dalmira Tilepbergen
Kyrgyzstan · 2023 · 1h 28m · Drama
Language Kyrgyz
Subtitles English
Synopsis
Based on true events, The Gift tells the tragic story of a young seven year old girl, who is lead to believe that the mole on her lip is a gift from God and that all her wishes will come true. Arno lives with her parents, three sisters and grandfather in a remote pasture within the high, majestic mountains of Central Asia. Her mother is pregnant and her father's only wish is for her to give birth to a son. Arno leads a carefree life and wishes to be the son her father has never had. However, nothing lasts forever and their world is soon to be destroyed by encroaching civilization. The family's fragile existence is also in jeopardy, as Arno's doubt about her father's love for her, breaks their spiritual relationship. As events unfold, unfulfilled desires rise to the surface leading to an unexpected tragedy.
Key Cast
Jannat Kuruchbekova, Talaikan Abazova
Crew
Screenwriter, Main Producer: Dalmira Tilepbergen
DOP: Akjol Bekbolotov
1st AD: Tursunbek Usenov
Producers: Sadyk Sher-Niyaz, Gulmira Kerimova
National Distributor: Aisha Kamchibekova
Associate Producer: Brett Syson
Promotion Producers: Gulkair Tilenbaeva, Elvira Mamytova
Line Producers: Nurbek Mambetov, Jyrgal Duisheyev
Artistic Designer: Urmat Osmoev
Decorator: Oroz Absattarov
Makeup: Gulmira Davletbakova
Music Composer: Eugene Kim
Production Sound Designers: Kalybek Sherniyazov, Mars Tugelov
Editor: Dalmira Tilepbergen
Awards, Nominations & Screenings
Venice Production Bridge 2023 / Special screening at the Focus on Kyrgyzstan
International Film Festival for Children and Young Audience SCHLiNGEL / Official Selection
Stars Asian International Film Festival 2023 / Official selection, Best Actress Nominee
I am Tomorrow International Film Festival 2023 / Official Selection
Silk Road International Film Festival China 2024 / Best New Director Award, Best Film Nominee
Selector‘s Statement
“As a member of the Selection Committee, I am deeply moved by this film. It beautifully portrays young Arno’s journey as she faces the rigid expectations of her patriarchal village in Kyrgyzstan, capturing the pressures faced by women in many societies. Growing up in a society where families, in the hope of a son, would give birth to multiple daughters, I found the story profoundly relatable. Though the film has its loose moments, its innocence and beauty resonate long after viewing. Its exploration of gender and age discrimination feels relevant, inviting us to reflect on the traditions we hold dear. Beyond these themes, the filmmaker's creative vision shines, making The Gift a must-watch. A heartfelt and touching work.”
— Rajan Katheti (Nepal), film director, AFA2023 Nativa Award winner, AFAF24 Selection Committee member
Director: Jeremias Nyangoen
Indonesia · 2023 · 1h 46m · Political drama
Language Bahasa Rote
Subtitles English
Synopsis
After nine days, Martha, an illegal Indonesian migrant worker (TKI) in Sabah, Malaysia, was finally repatriated. It fulfills Abram's unusual last message to his wife, Orpa, "There will be no funeral until Martha returns." Martha's return brings great happiness to the family, particularly Orpa and their youngest daughter, Berta, as well as Damar-jati, Martha's former high school boyfriend. However, upon returning, Martha is in a different condition than expected after two years of working abroad. Something happened to her during her time as a palm oil laborer. Orpa, as the head of the family, has had to become a strong and resilient mother. With patience, she works on restoring Martha's mental well-being and supports their two daughters by producing palm sugar to sell at the market.
Key Cast
Linda Adoe, Irma Rihi, Sallum Ratu Ke
Crew
Producers: Yung-Shuang Chen, Tze-Lan Cho, Yi-Shan Lo
Co-producers: Asako Fujioka, Documentary Dream Center; Angel Wen Chen, Hope Content Marketing Co., Ltd.
Cinematography: Yi-Shan Lo, Wei-Long Tsai
Sound Design: Yannick Dauby
Editor: Jessica Wan-Yu Lin
Awards, Nominations & Screenings
Busan International Film Festival 2023 / World Premiere
Festival Film Indonesia 2023 / Best Film, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography
Jakarta Film Week 2023 / Direction Award
Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival 2023 / Best Performance Actress, Best Cinematography
Asian Film Festival Barcelona 2023 / Special Mention
New York Asian Film Festival 2024 / Special Jury Prize
Selector‘s Statement
“The movie is not everyone’s cup of tea. Its unflinching and often raw depiction on violence towards women in marginalized societies should make you feel uncomfortable. But the grim fate of women in Rote Island, like Martha and Orpa, doesn’t need any beautification. It's an everyday fact of life, most of the time ignored and overlooked, in Eastern Indonesia as attempts to escape from a perilous situation might lead you to another hell hole. Its dynamic cinematography immerses the audience in the tension experienced by the village community while most of the cast, who are non-professional actors, provide an authentic touch to the film.”
— Darmawan Triwibowo (Indonesia), Executive Director of Jakarta-based Kurawal Foundation, AFAF24 Selection Committee member
Director: Lester Cristal
Philippines · 2023 · 19m · Social drama, Coming-of-age
Language Tagalog, English
Subtitles English
Synopsis
After an old wank video of him goes viral on social media, a young food delivery rider in Manila attempts to reclaim his body from societal consumption.
Key Cast
Bon Andrew Lentejas, Sheenly Gener, Karl Medina
Crew
Screenplay: Lester Cristal
Producer: Tim Rone Villanueva
Line Producer: Tin Velasco
Supervising Producers: Gianne Bernabe and Sheena Tanteko
Production Manager: Kira Romana
Creative Producer: Monster Jimenez
Director of Photography: Rap Ramirez
Production Designer: Hogan Aragon
Editor: Lawrence Ang
Sound Designer & Musical Scorer: Willie Apa
Awards, Nominations & Screenings
Drama International Short Film Festival 2023 / Mentorship Award
Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival 2023 / NextGen Shorts Selection
Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video 2023 / Best Narrative Film
Selector‘s Statement
“The story tells about the young generation in today’s digital world who create a language of affection by sharing their nudes and wank videos. When the videos are leaked on social media, that’s become a market. The accessibility of the internet and the ease of having social media accounts make it easier for sexual predators to prey on vulnerable children both due to the lack of knowledge on cyber security and the vulnerability caused by poverty. This is a huge issue especially in southeast asia where children and youth are abused as sexual objects. This film definitely needs to be discussed and looked for some solutions. The film also has a very good production quality and the character Bryan’s emotion reaches us to get into his mind and we can keep continuing to go through and think about what kind of trauma he will live on. We felt very sad that the issues related to the personal and social life of young people and also with the strong presences of the character, a mixture of hope and sexual horror. We can get into the shoes of a young man’s life which we can not skip and scroll. This film not only talks about a young man’s life, but also talks about the tragedy of today's new generation who are victims of sexual bullying.”
— Sein Lyan Tun (Myanmar), filmmaker, AFAF24 Selection Committee member
Director: Nguyen Duy Anh
Vietnam · 2024 · 18m · Documentary, Experimental
Language Vietnamese
Subtitles English
Synopsis
The early morning radio program is airing a talk show featuring female technology domestic workers. During the show, these women recount their personal narratives. As the show concludes, an expert in aromas is welcomed to divulge a formula for a soothing steam bath. The water in her pot reaches a boil, and the resulting steam pervades the living spaces of the domestic workers. Shrouded in fog, the city witnesses tender, delicate hands clearing the moisture that has gathered on various screens.
Crew
Writer: Nguyen Duy Anh
Producer: Cao Viet Nga
Cinematography: Nguyen Quang Vinh
Editor: Nguyen Duy Anh
Sound Design: DXY
Production Design: Pham Viet Hoang
Music: DXY
Awards, Nominations & Screenings
KF ASEAN Culture House Exhibition "Scent of ASEAN" 2024 / Screening
Selector‘s Statement
“Glass surfaces and the screen, private homes and public spheres, real and virtual spaces entwine in a meta world. Here, in distinct uniforms, the cleaning ladies perform their own choreography of repetitive, laborious gestures to a vivid soundscape blending sentimental personal sharings with self-care instructions. Full of energy, ambiguity, and black humor, the film raises in an unexpected way essential questions regarding the complex reality of female urban workers in, and far beyond, Vietnam.”
— Que Chi Truong (Vietnam), artist, curator, AFAF24 Selection Committee member
Director: Kevin Rahardjo
Indonesia · 2023 · 14 min · Drama, Coming of Age
Language Indonesian
Subtitles English
Synopsis
Jovan, a 16-year-old religious teenager, is watching porn for the first time when accidentally the audio is connected to his mother’s car Bluetooth. He is punished by his devout Christian parents and asked to repent without explanation.
Key Cast
Rakhan Devana, Wani Siregar
Crew
Writer: Kevin Rahardjo
Producers: Kevin Rahardjo, Aldy Reyhanshah
Art Director: Vivien Nathania
Director of Photography: Abraham J Hubert
Awards, Nominations & Screenings
Palm Springs International ShortFest California 2023 / World premiere, Best International Student Short
Red Sea International Film Festival Jeddah / MENA premiere, Short Competition
Flickers' Rhode Island International Film Festival 2023 / Official selection
Nashville Film Festival 2023 / Competition
Minikino Film Week Bali 2023 / Indonesian premiere, National Award Nominee
Jakarta Independent Film Festival 2023 / Best Indonesian Short Film
Beijing International Short Film Festival 2023 / Chinese Mainland premiere, Official selection
Selector‘s Statement
“A well-crafted and tightly shot work from a young Indonesian filmmaker, this film depicts a story of a religious family who are very strict in raising their son. With their strong beliefs, their son is completely shut down and forced to do what they think is the right thing for him. Themes of controlling parents, religious belief, and sexual desire leave a lot of room for discussion.”
— Kavich Neang (Cambodia), award winning director, producer, and scriptwriter, AFAF24 Selection Committee member
Director: Sam Manacsa
Philippines · 2023 · 17m · Comedy, Social
Language Tagalog
Subtitles English
Synopsis
Mila struggles as she remains unpaid at work and a love interest becomes a source of comfort through his constant phone calls. But a promise of hope may also lead to tragedy and sad love songs.
Key Cast
Jorrybell Agoto, Aje Candelaria, Vincent Pajara, Rexon Anyayahan, Carla Zarcal
Crew
Producers: Chad Cabigon, Carlo Francisco Manatad
Executive Producers: Roberto Manacsa Jr., Antoinette Celeste Manacsa, Mara Bernaldo
Line Producer: Noni Abao
Screenwriter: Sam Manacsa
Cinematographer: Martika Ramirez-Escobar
Editor: Carlo Francisco Manatad
Production Designer: Whammy Alcazaren
Sound Design and Mixing: Sum-Sum Shen, Ilya Selikhov
Colorist: Yov Moor
Awards, Nominations & Screenings
La Biennale Venice International Film Festival 2023 / Orizzonti Short Films Competition
Singapore International Film Festival 2023 / Best Director Southeast Asian Short Film, Nominee for Best Southeast Asian Short Film, Best Performance Southeast Asian Short Film
Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival 2024 / Best Short Film, Best Director of Short Film
Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival 2024 / International Competition
Selector‘s Statement
“This film addresses not only precarious working conditions, long hours, and unfair pay but also the rampant issue of private killings or hit jobs in the Philippines. It exemplifies what works in a short film by repeatedly reinforcing the protagonist’s (and our) desires and expectations, only to slap us with a tragic ending. The filmmaker skilfully builds empathy for the protagonist, and the mysterious male figures, oppressive low-ceilinged locations, and convincing performances make it a standout. A gem from the Philippines and Southeast Asia!”
— Chong Lee Yow (Malaysia), Director of the Mini Film Festival, curator, film programmer, AFAF24 Selection Committee member
Director: Hsu Pan Naing
Myanmar · 2023 · 12m · Animation, Documentary
Language Burmese
Subtitles English
Synopsis
A young Burmese woman who was trafficked to China and sold into marriage tells her story. Based on the
real-life protagonist’s own words and beautifully rendered in pen-and-ink, this animation portrays a woman
torn between her love for the child she was forced to bear and her longing for the country to which she may
never be able to return.
Key Cast
Rakhan Devana, Wani Siregar
Crew
Lead Illustrator: Ye Thiha
Animator: Nyan Lin Htet
Animation Tutor: Debjani Mukherjee
Producer: Soe Arkar Htun
Awards, Nominations & Screenings
Vision du Réel 2023 / World premiere
Nepal Human Rights International Film Festival 2023 / Asian premiere
Verzio Human Rights Film Festival 2023 / Nomination for Best Short Debut and Best Student Film
Olympia International Film Festival for Children and Youth 2024 / Nomination for Best Short Animation
Film
This Human World – International Human Rights Film Festival 2024 / Nomination for Exp:anded Short Award
KIN International Women's Film Festival 2024 / Best Short Film
Selector‘s Statement
“This animated documentary tackles a serious issue in Myanmar: the effects of political unrest and
civil war on young people, especially women. Many are leaving the country in search of a better life, but
this has led to a troubling rise in trafficking, with women being sold into forced marriages in China. This
heartfelt film, directed by emerging filmmaker Hsu Pan Naing, uses animation to tell a powerful and
emotional story. It highlights important social issues and aims to connect with local and international
audiences, raising awareness and empathy for these women's struggles..”
— Thaiddhi (Myanmar), award-winning filmmaker, co-founder of the Wathann Film Festival and founder of
Third Floor Film Production, AFAF24 Selection Committee member
Director: Nyi Rai
Myanmar · 2024 · 19m · Documentary
Language Wa, Burmese
Subtitles English
Synopsis
Nyi Rai, raised away from his parents for more than a decade returns to his village after his sister's unexpected death. This led to his father quitting drugs. In his debut film, the filmmaker sits down with his parents for the first time, uncovering a journey of loss, redemption, and renewed hope for the future.
Key Cast
Nyi Rai, Lone Htawn, Pa Pai Leng
Crew
Producers: Sai Kong Kham, Lin Sun Oo
Cinematographer: Sai Than Lu
Editor: Lamin Oo
Sound Recordist: Sai Jun
Colorist: Khin Maung Kyaw
Selector‘s Statement
“A beautiful debut work of the filmmaker, the film tells the story of his struggling family facing poverty, tragedy, and domestic violence under the political tension in his country, Myanmar. The film invites the audience to stay closer to his family's experience through sample camera work. The film was shot in the Southern Shan State, the place where the filmmaker was born.”
— Kavich Neang (Cambodia), director, producer, and scriptwriter, AFAF24 Selection Committee member
Director: Maksud Hossain
Bangladesh · 2024 · 1h 35m · Drama
Language Bengali
Subtitles English
Synopsis
In Dhaka, Bangladesh, twenty-five-year old Saba lives with and cares for her demanding mother, Shirin. As Shirin’s need for medical treatment increases, it falls on her daughter to find the money to pay for it. Securing a job at a local Shisha bar, Saba befriends the free-spirited Ankur and, for the first time, begins to envision what a life of her own could look like. This moving mother-daughter drama - and debut from filmmaker Maksud Hossain - offers a poignant look at the realities of end-of-life care and the delicate balance between love and guilt, codependence and autonomy.
Key Cast
Mehazabien Chowdhury, Rokeya Prachy, Mostafa Monwar
Crew
Writer: Maksud Hossain
Co-writer: Trilora Khan
Producers: Uri Singer, Arifur Rahman, Tamim Abdul Majid, Maksud Hossain, Trilora Khan, Mehazabien Chowdhury, Barkat Hossain Polash
Director of Photography: Barkat Hossain Polash
Awards, Nominations & Screenings
Toronto International Film Festival 2024 / World Premiere
Busan International Film Festival 2024 / Asian Premiere
Selector‘s Statement
“Saba gently, yet firmly, critiques lack of access and opportunity in many aspects of life for disabled people. The situation allows director Maksud Hossain in creating an engaging and emotional mother-and-daughter drama filled with heart-tugging punchlines, and genuine performances. This is the director's feature length directorial debut, which makes this already towering achievement even more remarkable.”
— Nauval Yazid (Indonesia), Co-director of Europe on Screen Film Festival, AFAF24 Selection Committee member
Director: Praditha Blifa
Indonesia · 2023 · 22m · Drama
Language Indonesian
Subtitles English
Synopsis
Sri and Yanti, two blind teenage girls, have been close friends since they lived in a dormitory. They are inseparable and always together. One day, Yanti announces her plan to move out of town to pursue her dream. It makes Sri angry and keeps her questioning: whether they even deserve to have dreams?
Key Cast
Juliana Ira Astuti, Skolastika Nadya Valentine
Crew
Writer: Praditha Blifa
Producer: Intan Nadya Maulida
Cinematographer: Saka Guna Wijaya
Artistic Director: Ismail Wahyu
Music & Sound Director: Krisna Purna
Sound Recordist: Iqbal 'Encik' Marekan
Costume Designer & Make-up Artist: Aliya Kinasih
Awards, Nominations & Screenings
Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia 2024 / International Premiere, Best Short Award in Live Action Competition
Selector‘s Statement
“Maybe Someday portrays the heartwarming friendship between two blind girls, Sri and Yanti, who share a dormitory. Their lives are vibrant and full of joy until Yanti announces her plans to move out of town to pursue her dreams. This news prompts Sri to question whether blind girls like her can aspire to have dreams of their own. The filmmaker, Praditha Blifa Rahayu, has crafted a film about disability that is far from pitiable. Instead, the film presents the inspiring beauty of resilience and the right to dream.”
— Chalida Uabumrungjit (Thailand), curator and archivist, Director of Thailand Film Archive, AFAF24 Selection Committee member
Director: Calleen Koh
Singapore · 2024 · 10m · Animation
Language Mandarin
Subtitles English
Synopsis
Grace Lee, an overworked mom in Singapore, collapses at work. She gets admitted into the hospital, where she finds newfound freedom as a patient.
Key Cast
Yann Yann Yeo, Geping Zheng
Crew
Writer, Sound Designer, Editor: Calleen Koh
Producer: Tan Si En
Assistant Producers: Daryl Cheong, Joel Neo
Music Composer: Diego Ayala Raffalli
Sound Mixer: Craig Smith
Background Art Assistant: Chayanid Siripaiboolpong
Animation Assistants: Fira Razman, Novella
Awards, Nominations & Screenings
Bucheon International Animation Festival 2024 / Graduation Short Film Competition
Selector‘s Statement
“My Wonderful Life is a masterfully crafted animated short that offers a poignant exploration of modern motherhood. The film follows an overworked mom who collapses at work and is admitted to the hospital, where she unexpectedly finds a sense of freedom. Through striking visuals and emotional depth, the film captures the suffocating pressures of balancing work and family, turning the hospital into a symbol of escape and self-reclamation. Its nuanced reflection on self-care and personal freedom resonates universally, making it both timely and deeply moving - a remarkable piece of storytelling that lingers long after the credits roll.”
— Baby Ruth Villarama (Philippines), award winning film director and promoter of Filipino cinema, AFAF24 Selection Committee member
Director: Ekin Kee Charles
Malaysia · 2024 · 11m · Comedy, Drama
Languages Kadazandusun, Sabahan Malay
Subtitles English
Synopsis
Rena, Mina and Joni, fashionable besties in their 60s, hitchhike on an illegal truck to make a long journey from their distant village to town. They are going to purchase monthly household goods and to convince Rena‘s daughter to come home.
Key Cast
Elnie Kuminding, Rainah Masadi, Rosnah Kuminding
Crew
Producer: Amanda Nell Eu
Cinematographer: Vanessa Edna Epi
Editor: Carlo Francisco Manatad
Art Direction: Min Mohamad
Director‘s Biography
Ekin Kee Charles is an indigenous filmmaker from Sabah, Malaysia. She is a descendant of the Kimaragang tribe, a sub-tribe from the Kadazandusun Dayak umbrella. Ekin grew up in a closed community that consisted of family members who migrated from the inland mountain area to Kota Marudu, Sabah. Her works are often set around the community and lifestyle of the people in her hometown, often including them as cast and crew in her projects. Ekin has shared her passion for film through workshops conducted for indigenous communities not only in Sabah, but also in other parts of Malaysia.
Director‘s Filmography
2024 Peaceland
2021 Rama
2019 Pace
Selector‘s Statement
“Set in Sabah, particularly in Kota Marudu, where socio-cultural development is influenced by a rich tapestry of indigenous traditions, cultural diversity, and economic challenges, the mother‘s unwavering determination highlights the importance of familial ties and the deep-rooted values of community, ultimately advocating for understanding and reconciliation across faith divides. The performances are heartfelt and authentic, accentuating the resilience of elderly women and their confidence in self-expression.”
— Nurain Abdullah (Brunei), television and film producer, Co-founder of Regalblue Production, AFAF24 Selection Committee member
Director: Dhiwangkara Seta
Indonesia · 2024 · 18m ·Thriller, Coming of Age, Drama
Language Indonesian
Subtitles English
Synopsis
A lonesome marine student receives strength from the freshwater realm to seek revenge against his rivals.
Key Cast
Rajib Rakatirta, Ravi Pestrani, Vito Prasasta, Anton Girgis
Crew
Writer: Dhiwangkara Seta
Producer: Eliza Cheisa
Producer: Giovanni Rahmadeva
Director of Photography: Haryono Putra
Art Director: Renaldi Akbar
Sound Recordist & Designer: Dandy Fauzan
Wardrobe Stylist: Melbrina
Makeup Artist: Corry Maria
Editor: Ahmad Yuniardi
Editor: Erlangga Radhikza
Colorist: Kenzo Miyake
Awards, Nominations & Premiers
Minikino Film Week 2024 / National premiere Indonesia
Selector‘s Statement
“This debut short film focuses on bullying and revenge among young adults during their training courses for the navy academy. Added by fantastic elements, it reveals a miniature of
contemporary Indonesian society in which masculinity is required and a cycle of violence is
anticipated. Bold in the message and professional in the cinema language, it is a strong and
well-crafted piece of art that takes the issue seriously and touches the nature of beast inside
every human being.”
— Marcus Manh Cuong Vu (Vietnam), award winning filmmaker, curator of S-Express, AFAF24 Selection Committee member
Director: Mickey Lai
Malaysia · 2024 · 24m · Drama
Language Malay, English, Chinese
Subtitles English
Synopsis
In a Malaysia National Service camp, a Chinese trainee is ordered to lead her multiracial female
comrades in washing the stained sanitary pads in the middle of the night.
Key Cast
Farah Ahmad, Esha Anum, Kaana Selvam, Li Xuan Siow
Crew
Screenwriter: Mickey Lai
Producer: Lim Shu Jia
Co-Producer: Wong Kew Soon,Ciarán Charles
Cinematographer: Lee Kah Giap
Casting Director: Audrie Yeo
Editor: Wong Kai Yun
Art Director: Soon Yong Chow
Sound: Ines Adriana
Music: Ryota Katayama
Poster Design: Gan Chu Fan, Lai Wen Xin
Awards, Nominations & Premiers
Locarno Film Festival 2024 / Golden Pardino - Leopards of Tomorrow Award in International Competition
Pingyao International Film Festival 2024 / Best Short Film Nominee
Selector‘s Statement
“The film sparks conversation on taboo topics surrounding the cultural belief and interracial
tension in a constrained time and space. The filmmaker managed to build up the tension to the burst of angst
through the film, leaving the audience no other choice but to follow the protagonist's journey. The film
itself serves as a good discussion and impact creation, be it in Malaysia or other multi-racial countries in
Southeast Asia.”
— Lulu Ratna (Indonesia), film programmer, founder of Boemboe distribution company and the Kofiden
Foundation, AFAF24 Selection Committee member
Director: Tan Wei Ting
Singapore · 2024 · 28m · Drama
Languages Hokkien, Chinese, English
Subtitles English
Synopsis
A kindergarten teacher who is used to caring for the hopeful young, searches for the meaning of decay when she takes on the role of a caregiver for her father who lives with dementia.
Key Cast
Seok Ai Goh, Ser Pin Yong, Joy Rojas, Kelvin Ho
Crew
Writer, Editor: Tan Wei Ting
Producer: Way-J
Cinematographer: Looi Wan Ping
Art Director: Angeline Klarissa
Music: Joe Ng
Production Sound Mixer: Audrey Lee
Sound Editor: Burtt See
Colourist: Chen Junbin, CSI
Awards, Nominations & Premiers
Caregiver Exhibition, Montfort Care Singapore 2024 / World premiere
Selector‘s Statement
“Withering Tree and Dying Ashes is a poignant short film that contrasts the innocence of youth with the harsh realities of aging. It follows a kindergarten teacher who, used to nurturing the young, becomes a caregiver for her father with dementia. As she navigates this emotional journey, the film delicately explores themes of decay, loss, and resilience. Through its sensitive portrayal of caregiving, it offers a deeply moving reflection on the fragility of life and the complexities of familial love - a triumph in cinema to offer people something more lasting.”
— Baby Ruth Villarama (Philippines), award winning film director and promoter of Filipino cinema, AFAF24 Selection Committee member
Director: Pat Boonnitipat
Thailand · 2024 · 2h 5m
Logline
A heartwarming film delving into the complexity of family relationships, sacrifices,
and the pursuit of happiness.
Synopsis
‘M’, driven by the desire for a multimillion-dollar inheritance, puts aside his dreams as a hopeful game caster to care for his terminally ill grandmother. However, winning Grandma's favor is no easy feat. She proves to be a tough nut to crack - demanding, exacting, and exceedingly difficult to please. To add to the drama, he's not the only one gunning for the inheritance. M finds himself embroiled in a gripping competition, where he must go to great lengths to become the apple of Grandma's eye before time runs out, all in pursuit of a life-changing, multimillion-dollar inheritance.
Key Cast
Putthipong Assaratanakul, Usha Seamkhum, Sanya Kunakorn, Sarinrat Thomas
Crew
Screenplay: Pat Boonnitipat, Thodsapon Thiptinnakorn
Executive producers: Paiboon Damrongchaitham, Boosaba Daorueng, Jina Osothsilp
Producers: Vanridee Pongsittisak, Jira Maligool
Co-producers: Chenchonnee Soonthonsaratul, Yannassma Thannitsch
Director of photography: Boonyanuch Kraithong
Cinematography: Boonyanuch Kraithong
Edited: Thammarat Sumethsupachok
Music: Jaithep Raroengjai
Director’s Biography
Pat Boonnitipat is a Thai film director known for his sensitive storytelling, particularly in teenage-focused television and documentaries. After graduating from Chulalongkorn University, he began his career as a behind-the-scenes cameraman for hit series like Hormones (2014–2015). He earned his first directorial credit co-directing Diary of Tootsies (2016) and simultaneously worked on the documentary series Let Me Grow. His breakthrough came with Bad Genius The Series (2020), an adaptation of the acclaimed Thai film, earning him multiple awards, including Best Director at the Komchadluek Awards. He continues to collaborate with top producers, with his latest project, How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies (2024), marking his feature directorial debut.
Director’s Filmography
2020 Bad Genius: The Series
2016 Project S: The Series