Thailand has proudly announced its official entry for the 99th Academy Awards' International Feature Film category: '9 Temples to Heaven,' directed by Sompot Chidgasornpongse. This decision, made by the National Federation of Motion Pictures and Contents Associations (MPC), marks a significant moment for Thai cinema as it seeks to gain international recognition. The film's selection followed a thorough review process by a specialized committee comprising prominent figures from the Thai film industry.
The cinematic work '9 Temples to Heaven' made its initial appearance at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival earlier in the year, garnering attention for its unique narrative. The story centers on a Thai family's sacred journey, embarking on a one-day pilgrimage to nine different temples across Thailand. This spiritual quest is initiated by Sakol, who, after receiving a foreboding prophecy about his elderly mother's health from a fortune teller, orchestrates the family's ritualistic expedition through the country's revered temple landscapes. The movie is a collaborative production, with contributions from Kick The Machine Films and At A Time in Thailand, alongside international partners including E&W Films from Singapore, petit chaos from France, Needle in the Haystack from Norway, La Fonte from China, Square One Film from Hong Kong, and Qun Films from Indonesia. Global distribution rights for the film are managed by Playtime.
Director Chidgasornpongse brings a wealth of experience to this project, having served for over two decades as an assistant director to the acclaimed Apichatpong Weerasethakul. His extensive involvement in notable films such as 'Tropical Malady,' 'Syndromes and a Century,' 'Cemetery of Splendour,' and 'Memoria' has undoubtedly shaped his directorial vision and craftsmanship, evident in '9 Temples to Heaven.'
The MPC's selection now moves forward to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The Academy will further refine the submissions from various nations, ultimately reducing the extensive list to a shortlist of 15 films, from which five final nominees will be declared. The grand ceremony for the 99th Academy Awards is scheduled to take place on March 14, 2027, where the fate of these international features will be revealed. Thailand has a history of submitting films for this category since 1984, with a total of 33 entries over the years. Despite numerous attempts, the nation has yet to secure a nomination. Their closest achievement was at the 97th ceremony, where 'How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies' became the first Thai film to be included in the Academy's 15-film shortlist, marking a hopeful progression for Thai representation at the Oscars.
The choice of '9 Temples to Heaven' represents Thailand's continued aspiration to showcase its cinematic artistry and cultural narratives on a global platform. With its compelling story of family, faith, and tradition, the film aims to resonate with international audiences and critics alike, hoping to break new ground for Thai cinema at the prestigious Academy Awards.
