On Friday, 12 December 2025, Khon Kaen University (KKU), in collaboration with Khon Kaen Province and a network of public and private sector organisations, grandly inaugurated the “9th Khon Kaen International Film Festival (KEAN International Film Festival 9th)” at Khon Kaen Hall, 5th Floor, Central Khon Kaen shopping centre.
The ceremony was presided over by Mr. Jetsada Chiwavichwalkul, Inspector-General of the Ministry of Culture. Also in attendance were KKU executives, Mr. Dinh Hoang Linh, Consul General of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Khon Kaen Province, renowned film directors and actors from Thailand and international markets, and representatives from government, private, and academic sectors. The event was held amidst a vibrant red carpet atmosphere and featured cultural activities reflecting the unique identity of the region.
Mr. Jetsada Chiwavichwalkul, Inspector-General of the Ministry of Culture, expressed his pleasure that the KEAN International Film Festival was being held for the ninth consecutive year. He highlighted it as an important platform for promoting creative energy and showcasing the potential of the Thai film industry to the global community. He noted that it reflects the capacity of Khon Kaen Province and the Isan region, which possess creative human resources capable of using film to portray Thai way of life, beliefs, and identity, thereby aligning with the government’s policy of promoting creative culture for economic value enhancement.
Mr. Phanthep Saokosol, Deputy Governor of Khon Kaen Province, also delivered a welcoming address, stating that Khon Kaen remains committed to developing all facets of the city, including the film industry, while preserving its cultural roots. He affirmed support for young talents as the future of the film industry and welcomed tourists worldwide, aiming to attract them to Khon Kaen through the soft power of cinema.
Mr. Dinh Hoang Linh, Consul General of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Khon Kaen Province, discussed the film production cooperation between Thailand and Vietnam. He expressed confidence that the 9th KEAN International Film Festival would serve as a creative platform and a crucial starting point for the new generations of both countries to display their potential and develop into high-quality filmmakers in the future.
The atmosphere was filled with creative excitement as Associate Professor Niyom Wongpongkham, Ph.D., Vice President for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy at Khon Kaen University, addressed the objectives of the event. He stated that the 9th KEAN International Film Festival was a collaborative effort involving Khon Kaen University, the Thai film industry network, and partners, supported by the Department of Cultural Promotion, Ministry of Culture. The objective is to promote the film industry, develop the potential of regional filmmakers, and elevate the festival to an international level.
“This year, participating countries submitting films and actors included the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, the Federation of Malaysia, the Republic of Singapore, the Philippines, the United States, and Thailand, with over 200 films submitted. We were honoured to have actors from Bollywood and Hollywood walk the red carpet today. This reflects the continually growing stature of the KEAN International Film Festival, reinforcing Khon Kaen’s identity as a ‘Film City’, and offers a valuable opportunity for our youth to witness that Thais, or people from Isan, can achieve global recognition,” said Associate Professor Niyom.
The 9th KEAN International Film Festival featured numerous activities, including the “Kaen Heart Short Film Competition” under the theme “CAN DO,” cinema talk programmes, international film screenings, a film seminar on “AI CAN DO,” the international panel discussion “KAEN FILM CITY: Talk & Collaboration,” and a film cooperation signing ceremony. The Isan Red Carpet events also included press conferences promoting films from Isan and the Lao PDR, a fashion show, and film exhibitions.
The winning team, Khana Lan Yai Maem, creator of the short film “FAT BOY”, shared their feelings after receiving the First Prize and the 100,000 Baht cash award. They described how their initially casual group effort evolved through intensive learning, practice, script refinement, and discussions with actors, ultimately resulting in a short film that blended comedy and substance seamlessly, setting it apart from other entries. “We are delighted that Khon Kaen University and its network partners created this space for us to learn and demonstrate our potential. This has been the best experience and has provided a valuable opportunity to network with professional directors and actors. We are truly grateful,” they added.
Similarly, the Polaris Production team, comprising students from Ubon Ratchathani University, journeyed to the festival hoping to gain real-world experience from professional directors and actors. They noted that what they gained exceeded expectations, including practical filmmaking skills, experience using high-quality cameras, and teamwork training, which enabled them to successfully create their short film, Mon Kaen. Although they did not win an award, every lesson learned became a cherished memory.
Ultimately, the 9th KEAN International Film Festival proved to be an important platform granting filmmakers the opportunity to showcase their potential, exchange experiences, and connect film networks on regional and international levels. It successfully reinforced the role of Khon Kaen University and Khon Kaen Province in driving Thailand’s film industry and creative economy in a tangible manner.
Summary of Results for the Kaen Heart Short Film Competition, 9th KEAN International Film Festival:
- First Prize (100,000 Baht):
- FAT BOY – Khana Lan Yai Maem Team
- Second Prize (50,000 Baht):
- Can You Remember Me (Jam Hak Luem Hao) – Arambot Film Team
- Third Prize (30,000 Baht):
- Pun Hak The New Dawn – Souphanouvong University Team
- Best Leading Actor (10,000 Baht):
- Somyos Maturet, from FAT BOY – Khana Lan Yai Maem Team
- Best Leading Actress (10,000 Baht):
- Anita Yaganegi, from Murah – Tee See Production Team
- Best Cinematography (20,000 Baht):
- Swapping Bodies, Vengeful Spirit – Impossible Team
