The short film "Still Loving," directed by Ped Weerasak Sangdee, has once again brought recognition to the Thai film industry after winning the Winner - Staff Pick award at the international Around International Film Festival (ARFF) Barcelona 2025. The annual award ceremony took place in Berlin, Germany, with director Ped Weerasak attending to receive the prize in person.
This work features the talented actress Aom Kornnapas Settharatnapong and Koi Narumon Pongsupap in leading roles as mother and daughter, beautifully and powerfully conveying a deep, emotional bond. The production received support from the King Prajadhipok's Institute, which aims not only to promote works reflecting contemporary social issues but also to contribute to building a better society and nation—a core mission of the institute in advancing democracy and strengthening Thai society.
“My original intention was to tell a simple, sincere story about political differences within a family, filled with love. It portrays the love between mother and child through the performances of Aom Kornnapas and Koi Narumon, who delivered deeply emotional portrayals that made the judges and festival team select this work as the most outstanding,” said director Ped Weerasak Sangdee after receiving the Winner - Staff Pick award. “This award is not mine alone but belongs to the entire Thai team who believe that love has the power to change people’s minds.”
The Around International Film Festival (ARFF) is a prestigious international independent film festival with a broad network, hosting events in four major European cities: Barcelona, Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin. It aims to provide a global platform for creative filmmakers with quality works. The award received confirms the high standard of Thai films in the eyes of the international community.
The Staff Pick award is a special honor selected by the festival organizers from all submissions, focusing on outstanding concepts, storytelling methods, and the art of filmmaking. "Still Loving" was praised for its unique and profound portrayal of family issues and emotional engagement.
This award marks another important milestone for the director and Thai film team, reinforcing the potential of Thailand's film industry on the global stage.
