Sabida Thaiset, Minister of Culture opened the event Director Talk at the 79th Cannes Film Festival in the French Republic, highlighting the creative power of Thai personnel while promoting the Thai film industry toward sustainable international competition.
On 14 May 2026 at 14:30 local time in the French Republic, Ms. Sabida Thaiset, Minister of Culture, chaired the opening of the knowledge exchange event for Thai film directors (Director Talk) at the 79th Cannes Film Festival. Attendees included Ms. Ranee Ittharat, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture; Ms. Yuthika Isarangkul Na Ayuthaya, Director-General of the Department of Cultural Promotion; Ms. Chalida Ua Bamrungjit, Director of the Film Archive (Public Organization); Ms. Urusaya Insuksri, Assistant Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture; executives from the Ministries of Culture, Tourism and Sports, Commerce; Thai and international film producers; government and private sector representatives; distinguished guests; and media. The event took place at Booth 112, International Village, Cannes, French Republic.
The Minister of Culture stated that the Director Talk event, themed “Thai Cinema Rising - Shaping the Future of Film in Thailand,” reflects the creative strength of Thai personnel and the growing role of Thai cinema on the international stage. This platform offers an important opportunity for attendees to hear perspectives from Thai film directors on their creative approaches, development paths leading to success, and views on the future of Thai cinema amid global industry changes.
The event featured a panel of prominent film directors and industry professionals, including 1) Dr. Saran Kowitwanitsha, Director of the Bangkok World Film Festival; 2) Mr. Natthawut Poonpiriya, director of “Go Hahng… Hua Jai Go Home”; 3) Mr. Somphot Chidkasornpong, director of “9 Temples to Heaven”; and 4) Mr. Krisada Khamyang, producer of “9 Temples to Heaven.”
The Minister added that this Director Talk serves as a vital platform for creative knowledge exchange, sparking inspiration and new ideas among participants, while providing opportunities to build collaborative networks within the film industry. This activity forms part of the Ministry of Culture’s strategy to advance Thai cultural content industries globally, aiming to sustainably elevate the Thai film industry’s growth and competitiveness on the international stage.
Subsequently, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, Mrs. Supachai Suthamphan, along with Minister of Culture Sabida Thaiset, visited the Marché du Film (Cannes Film Market). The event featured activities such as trade negotiations, business potential and trend seminars, and film presentations. Most attendees were from Europe, followed by the United States.
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