| Director: | Phuttiphong Aroonpheng |
|---|---|
| Production: | Diversion (Mai Meksawan), 13 Little Pictures (Bee Thiam Tan), Nord-Ouest Films (Ola Byszuk), Sluizer Film Productions (Anouk Sluizer) |
| Running Time: | 118’ |
| Language: | Thai, Karen |
| Country: | Thailand, France, Singapore, Netherlands |
| Main Cast: | Awat Ratanapintha, Pakapol Srirongmuang, Waywiree Ittianunkul, Thanatwut Rodpai |
| Screenplay: | Phuttiphong Aroonpheng |
| Cinematographer: | Emo Weemhoff |
| Editor: | Daniel Hui |
| Production Designer: | Sarawut Karwnamyen, Wan Ping Looi |
| Costume Designer: | Keerati Modkeaw, Monsicha Phromsri |
| Music: | Christine Ott, Mathieu Gabry |
| Sound: | Chalermrat Kaweewattana, Lim Ting Li, Nopawat Likitwong |
| Visual Effects: | Tatchapon Lertwirojkul, Prin Nimmannitya, Adam Abdularee |
Cinema
Yak mai (The Burning Giants)
Orizzonti
Synopsis
A mysterious smoke covers western Thailand, triggering a strange infectious disease whose symptoms resemble burns inflicted by an invisible fire. A villager from the Karen ethnic group is arrested deep in the jungle and taken to a quarantine centre. There, he dreams of returning to his mountain homeland. His wife, who has sought refuge in Bangkok, shares the same longing. But their hope is threatened by forest rangers determined to burn down their village to make way for a national park. Beyond the veil of smoke, an abandoned theatre stands hidden in the jungle, haunted by ogre soldiers fleeing the King’s army in an ancient war reflecting the struggle of the villagers.
Director’s Statement
Inspired by the true story of Karen activist Billy, who disappeared after opposing the forced eviction of his village, Yak Mai explores the violence inflicted on communities erased in the name of national progress. Blending historical reality, myth and fantasy, Phuttiphong Aroonpheng draws a parallel between the villagers’ struggle and the ancient epic Ramayana, questioning the narratives used to justify oppression and silence marginalised voices. Through smoke, ghosts and memory, the film becomes an elegy for forgotten lives and a powerful reflection on belonging, loss and resistance.
Production/distribution
PRODUCTION 1:
Diversion - Mai Meksawan
220/4 Soi Ladprao 42, Lane 4-1
10310 Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: +66 865666768
E-mail: films@diversion-th.com
Web: www.diversion-th.com
Social Media: @diversion.th - Instagram
PRODUCTION 2:
13 Little Pictures - Bee Thiam Tan
5000M Marine Parade Road #13-56 Lagoon View
449294 Singapore, Singapore
Tel: +65 97689986
E-mail: bthiam@gmail.com Web: www.13littlepictures.com
PRODUCTION 3:
Nord-Ouest Films - Ola Byszuk
41 rue de la Tour d Auvergne
75009 Paris, France
E-mail: ola@nord-ouest.fr Web: www.nord-ouest.com
PRODUCTION 4:
Sluizer Film Productions - Anouk Sluizer
Zwanenplein 105
1021 CK Amsterdam, Netherlands
Tel: +31 620528098
E-mail: sluizerfilm@gmail.com
Web: www.sluizerfilmproductions.com
WORLD SALES:
Lucky Number - Ola Byszuk
18 rue de Boétie
75008 Paris, France
E-mail: sales@luckynumber.fr
Web: www.luckynumber.fr
Social Media: @luckynumber_films – Instagram
PRESS OFFICE:
Gordon Spragg, Michael Arnon - WOLF Consultants
Tel: +49 171 6466 970
E-mail: hello@wolf-con.com
