This week at the Hainan Island International Film Festival in the Chinese mainland province of Hainan, filmmakers and industry reps from Thailand and the Chinese mainland explored deeper collaboration in technology, market expansion and creative storytelling. Renowned Thai director Chookiat Sakveerakui highlighted how China's film industry has rapidly advanced in recent years across three key areas: technological innovation, a booming domestic market and a push towards diverse, genre-blending content.
âThe tools we're seeingâ from AI-driven editing suites to immersive VR experiencesâoffer valuable lessons for Thai cinema,â said Sakveerakui in an interview with CGTN. He believes these breakthroughs can help Thai filmmakers reach wider audiences at home and abroad, while elevating production quality across Southeast Asia.
Meanwhile, Phasit Wacharatham, a representative from Thai distributor Locman2011, noted the strong appeal of Thai content among Chinese mainland viewers. âThere's real hunger for our storiesâromance, drama, even local folklore,â he said, adding that he looks forward to future co-productions and joint distribution channels that tap into China's vast streaming platforms.
Industry insiders report that cross-border film partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region have surged this year, with co-productions accounting for a growing share of box office revenue. Such trends not only boost financial returns but also foster cultural exchange, blending storytelling traditions from both nations.
Looking ahead, both Thai and Chinese mainland stakeholders aim to launch joint ventures in script development, talent exchanges and festival circuits. As audiences worldwide seek fresh, immersive content, this Bangkok-Beijing creative alliance could become a blueprint for global film collaboration in 2026 and beyond.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
