Tthe first annual Terrifying Thai Film Festival, taking place at Somtow’s World, a unique artistic complex nestled in the hills of Khao Yai National Park, has just finished! Check out some of the photos on this page — and get ready for the next big incarnation!

We are an in-person mini-festival which features workshops by film professionals, panel discussions by Thai and international film personalities, and of course … horror! … including an all-night film program curated by best-selling horror novelist, composer and filmmaker, past president of the Horror Writers’ Association, S.P. Somtow … and a special competition for short subjects with award ceremony!

The first festival included such guests as Brian Yuzna, taking a Q&A via Zoom, Mattie Do, the most celebrated Lao woman director, and get acquainted with her award winning film The Long Walk (Bo Mi Wan Jak) Paul Spurrier, the first non-Thai to make a Thai language horror film, the legendary Phi, as well as local horror film actors like Jim Meesri, Betsy Palmerston, horror makeup expert Montri, and many others.

Submit your short genre film to the festival and have a chance to win the first Sayam Sayong Award! Feature films by invitation only.

And throughout the weekend, enjoy delicious food and wine, selected by Pink Dynasty.

Mark your calendar for the December 9-12. 2023. Khao Yai is a luxurious mountain resort town and there are dozens of hotels including lovely boutiques just minutes away from the front gate of Somtow’s World. Our staff is ready to help in-person attendees get the experience they want, from on-site camping to luxury hotels nearby.

Awards & Prizes

This year's competition is for SHORT SUBJECTS only. Every work selected for competition will be screened live at the festival as there will be an audience award as well as juried awards. It is up to you to decide whether your film will suit the theme of the festival, but the theme will be interpreted loosely enough that films of any genre, live action or animated, as long as they have a certain "dark" sensibility, will be considered. If you have a feature-length film, send us a note as we are not having a competition for feature films, but would consider inviting an interesting film for in-person screening as an official selection. (Feature-length film will be by invitation only.)

The GOLDEN C’THAILU Award will be awarded at the judges’ pleasure to the most distinguished entries.

The judges may create any categories as deemed appropriate, including awards for direction, best short subject, cinematography, script, acting, music, and any other category. The judges are not obliged to award each category. There will be student awards in additional to general awards. The number of awards is solely in the discretion of the judges. The physical awards will be presented at the awards ceremony on the last day of the festival.

Rules & Terms

1. Your submission must not be longer than 40 minutes, and delivered in a format appropriate for screening. Highest resolution recommended.
2. It must have been created within the calendar years 2020-2023.
3.We do not demand that the work be a premiere, but premieres will receive better consideration.
4. Your submission may be in any genre, but should be connected with the Festival's theme in some way.
5. The winners will be announced at the closing ceremony.
6. This is an in-person festival and you are encouraged to attend if your work is an Official Selection.
2 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Allabhya Ghosh

    Great Film Festival, good communication.

    February 2023
    Helpful
  • Sergiy Pudich

    Amazing local festival in beautiful location near National Park. Organizers did a great job to put all needs for entertaining, networking and relaxing in one place and celebrate the horror movie genre. I really enjoys the fest and would be glad to join next year edition.

    February 2023
    Helpful