Chiangmai International Fantastic Film Festival

The Chiang Mai Fantastic International Film Festival (CIFAN) is Thailand's premier celebration of fantastic cinema, showcasing the boundless creativity of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and supernatural storytelling. Set against the magical backdrop of Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand's cultural capital, CIFAN bridges the gap between imagination and tradition, creating a unique platform where cutting-edge filmmaking meets rich Lanna heritage.
Our festival celebrates the art of "fantastic film" - a genre that transcends reality through imagination, magic, advanced science, or otherworldly narratives. From sci-fi spectacles to dark folklore, from supernatural thrillers to fantastical adventures, CIFAN embraces all forms of imaginative storytelling that push the boundaries of conventional cinema.

What Makes CIFAN Special:
🎬 International & Local Focus: We screen carefully curated fantastic films from around the world alongside promoting Thai and regional talent, creating a global dialogue through fantastic cinema.

🏆 Major Short Film Competition: Our prestigious short film competition "Chiang Mai Future" challenges filmmakers to imagine the future of Chiang Mai through fantastic lens, offering over 1,000,000 THB in prizes across three categories (High School, University, General Public).

🎪 City-Wide Experience: Beyond screenings, CIFAN transforms Chiang Mai into a fantastic wonderland through our City Rally program, connecting local businesses with festival-goers through an innovative point collection system.

🎨 Industry Development: We're committed to building Thailand's fantastic film industry through workshops, panels, and networking events covering everything from location management to VFX, fostering the next generation of fantastic filmmakers.

🎭 Cultural Integration: Our unique approach celebrates both international fantastic cinema and local Lanna culture, showcasing how traditional Thai storytelling can inspire contemporary fantastic narratives.

🌟 Entertainment Expo: A comprehensive showcase of Northern Thailand's creative industries, connecting production houses, educational institutions, and creative professionals.
Programming Highlights:

- 20 carefully selected international and domestic fantastic films
- Daily industry panels and Q&A sessions with filmmakers
- Concerts featuring film music by local and national artists
- Red carpet premieres and closing ceremony
- Networking opportunities with industry professionals

CIFAN is more than a film festival—it's a launchpad for Thailand's fantastic film industry and a celebration of imagination that honors both global cinema and local heritage. Join us in Chiang Mai where tradition meets tomorrow, and where every story is possible.
Festival Mission:
To develop skills and knowledge in fantastic filmmaking among Thai film industry professionals while promoting the creation of films that blend fantastic concepts with Thai culture, particularly Lanna heritage, fostering networks and knowledge exchange between experts and emerging filmmakers in the industry.

Festival Categories
Official Selection Categories:
CIFAN Premiere (5 films)

Films having their premiere at the festival
Red carpet events with directors, producers, and cast
Well-known films with significant recognition

CIFAN Selection (12 films)

Curated films selected for screening
Q&A sessions with directors or producers

CIFAN Nostalgia (3 films)

Films previously shot in Chiang Mai
Outdoor screenings possible
Celebrating cinematic heritage