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The Bangkok film festival returns after a long break: from September 27 to October 15, 2026 the Thai capital hosts major international cinema for the first time since 2009. This is not a one-night screening but almost three weeks of sessions in the city’s cinemas. The opening is set for September 29 in Pinnacle Hall at the ICONSIAM shopping complex, and the festival starts with the world premiere of the Thai horror film Death Whisperer 3. If you are in Bangkok this autumn and love cinema, it is a reason to plan your evenings ahead.
What the festival is
The Bangkok International Film Festival (Bkkiff) is the revival of one of Southeast Asia’s most prominent film events. The festival was active in the 2000s but was suspended, and the 2026 edition is the first in more than fifteen years. For the city it is more than a cultural programme: it is a bid to put Bangkok back on the map of major Asian film forums alongside Busan and Tokyo.
The main idea of the relaunch is to show strong Thai cinema and foreign films at the same event. Fittingly, the programme opens with a Thai film: the horror Death Whisperer 3, whose earlier parts did well at the regional box office. For a visitor the festival is a rare chance to see Asian premieres before their wide release and to get a feel for the local film industry. Screenings in ordinary commercial cinemas also make the event far more accessible than closed press screenings.
When and where
The festival runs from September 27 to October 15, 2026, almost three weeks of sessions. The key date for anyone who wants to attend the ceremonial start is the opening ceremony on September 29 in Pinnacle Hall, ICONSIAM. ICONSIAM is a large shopping complex on the Chao Phraya river in Bangkok, easy to reach by boat and skytrain.
The screenings are spread across several cinema chains in the city: Major Cineplex, SF Cinema, House Samyan and Lido Connect. This means individual sessions take place in different parts of Bangkok rather than at one site. The organisers publish the exact schedule by film and hall closer to the dates, so check specific sessions and addresses in the festival’s official announcements. 🇹🇭
Programme and venues
When this article was prepared the organisers had not yet revealed the full programme, so only confirmed points are given here, not an invented schedule. One thing is known for certain: the festival opens with the world premiere of Death Whisperer 3 at the ceremony on September 29 at ICONSIAM.
Screenings will take place at four cinema venues:
- Major Cineplex is Thailand’s largest multiplex chain, with halls in almost every big shopping centre.
- SF Cinema is the second-largest chain, also with halls across the city.
- House Samyan is an art-house cinema that traditionally shows independent and festival films.
- Lido Connect is a venue in the Siam area, historically linked to indie screenings.
This line-up suggests a broad programme, from big commercial premieres to independent films. The full list of films, guests and the session schedule will appear in the official announcements: rely on them rather than on early rumours.
Practical tips
Tickets are sold through the box offices and apps of the cinemas themselves (Major Cineplex, SF Cinema and others), not through a single festival gateway, so check prices and availability in their systems closer to the dates. A few tips for a smooth evening:
- Bring a light jacket. Air conditioning in Thai cinemas is strong, and it is easy to get cold during a two-hour session.
- Plan your transport. The venues are scattered across the city, so allow time for travel, especially in the evening rush hour. ICONSIAM is easy to reach by river.
- Check the screening language. Some films are shown in the original language with subtitles; confirm the format of a specific session in advance.
- Book popular premieres early: seats for high-profile screenings like Death Whisperer 3 go quickly.
Keep in mind that autumn in Bangkok is still the rainy season, so an umbrella in your bag will not hurt. ☀️
Frequently asked questions ❓
Which film opens the festival?
The programme opens with the world premiere of the Thai horror film Death Whisperer 3 at the ceremony on September 29. It is the new instalment of a popular Thai franchise.
Where are the screenings and how much are tickets?
Sessions are spread across Bangkok cinema chains: Major Cineplex, SF Cinema, House Samyan and Lido Connect. Tickets are sold by the cinemas themselves, so check prices and availability at their box offices and in their apps closer to the dates.
Is this the first festival or was it held before?
The 2026 edition is a relaunch: the festival returns for the first time since 2009. It used to be one of the largest film events in the region and is now being revived at new venues.
Conclusion
The 2026 Bangkok film festival is a rare chance to catch the revival of a major Asian film forum and to see high-profile premieres before their release. If you are in the city this autumn, look at the official announcements, pick a session you like and plan an evening at the cinema. 🎉