Thailand's Oscar Bid: '9 Temples to Heaven' Enters International Feature Race

Thailand has put forward Sompot Chidgasornpongse's film, 9 Temples to Heaven, as its contender for the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards. This selection represents a notable moment for the nation's cinematic presence on the global stage.

Thailand's Academy Award Selection and Film's Journey

The National Federation of Motion Pictures and Contents Associations, responsible for Thailand's Oscar submissions, meticulously reviewed 51 eligible films before settling on 9 Temples to Heaven. The committee highlighted the movie's distinctive qualities, overall artistic merit, profound thematic content, and the positive reception it garnered from global critics following its debut at the Cannes Film Festival. This careful deliberation underscores the national body's commitment to presenting a film that not only reflects Thai culture but also resonates with international cinematic standards.

The film had its world premiere during the Directors' Fortnight section at Cannes in May, marking the first time in nearly two decades that a Thai feature film received such an honor in this prestigious sidebar. Described as a poignant yet humorous family road trip, the narrative follows Sakol, a businessman, who embarks on a journey to nine Buddhist temples with his ailing mother and extended family. This pilgrimage is prompted by a fortune teller's ominous prediction about his mother's health. Throughout their travels, the film masterfully explores the complexities of family dynamics, cultural beliefs, and intergenerational tensions, culminating in a deeply moving portrayal of love, loss, and tradition. Chidgasornpongse, known for his documentary Railway Sleepers and extensive work as an assistant director for acclaimed filmmaker Apichatpong Weerasethakul, makes a powerful transition into narrative features with this work.

Critical Acclaim and Oscar Aspirations

Since its Cannes premiere, 9 Temples to Heaven has accumulated numerous accolades across the international film festival circuit. Director Sompot Chidgasornpongse was honored with the Best Director award in the Asian New Talent competition at the Shanghai International Film Festival, where Sompop Songkampol also received the Best Actor award. The film further secured a jury prize at the New Zealand International Film Festival and is slated for its North American premiere at the esteemed New York Film Festival later this year. These achievements signal a strong international appeal, and Playtime is currently managing its global distribution. The film is set for a theatrical release in Thailand on September 17.

While Thailand has yet to secure an Oscar nomination in the international feature category, the country made a significant step forward in 2024 with Pat Boonnitipat's How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, which became the first Thai entry to be shortlisted in the category's top 15. The selection of 9 Temples to Heaven demonstrates Thailand's continued ambition to achieve Oscar recognition, building on recent successes and showcasing the richness of its filmmaking talent. The 99th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for March 14, 2027, where the film will vie for a coveted nomination.