Lights, camera, Pattaya: Film festival brings global cinema buzz
City aims to boost tourism and economy through cinema and cultural exchange
Pattaya rolled out the red carpet yesterday as the third Pattaya Film Festival burst onto the scene, promising free screenings, cultural exchange, and a boost for the city’s tourism economy.
The event kicked off yesterday, August 28, at SF Cinema Central Pattaya, with filmmakers, actors, and film buffs from across Thailand and overseas flocking to the seaside city. Running until tomorrow, August 30, the festival aims to cement Pattaya’s reputation as a UNESCO Creative City for Film and showcase Thailand’s growing soft power on the global stage.
Organised by Pattaya City, the festival reflects ambitions to position Pattaya as a regional hub for film. Known for its nightlife and entertainment, the city now hopes cinema will add another string to its bow as it vies for international recognition.
Mayor Poramet Ngampichet expressed confidence in the festival’s impact.
“I firmly believe the third Pattaya Film Festival will elevate Thai cinema and create lasting value for the industry. I invite locals and tourists to immerse themselves in this cinematic experience and enjoy high-quality films from around the world.”
Festival highlights include the Thailand premiere of Dream, alongside a line-up of 16 Thai and international titles at SF Cinema Central Marina. The schedule features acclaimed works such as 20,000 Species of Bees, Influencer, Alien: Earth, Kiss the Con Queen, Deeper, and Renoir, as well as Thai favourites Viman Nam, Youth 2544, and Mr. Hurt.
But the festival isn’t confined to the big screen indoors. A series of 16 open-air screenings will light up four different Pattaya locations. Fans can catch Tony Jaa’s action blockbusters at Na Kluea’s Bodhi Court, horror chills like Last Night (premiere) at Hat Mai Krathueng Thong Temple with Q&A sessions, animated films such as Khan Kluay at Nong Yai Temple, and laugh-out-loud comedies including AI Exclusive and Gang Muang Puan Yaowarat at Pattaya Central Beach, according to The Pattaya News.
Beyond cinema, visitors can indulge in local food stalls and community product booths, blending film culture with authentic Thai flavours.
The Pattaya Film Festival 2025 runs until tomorrow, with screenings and events at SF Cinema Central Pattaya and outdoor venues across the city. Full schedules are available via the festival’s official Facebook page.
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