"Thai movie 'A Useful Ghost' nets top prize at Cannes Film Festival's Critics' Week"
The acclaimed Thai film "A Useful Ghost" has emerged victorious, securing the Grand Prize AMI Paris during the Critics' Week (Semaine de la Critique) of the 78th Cannes Film Festival 2025. This marks a significant milestone, as it is the first Thai film to be honored with a competitive selection at this prestigious global festival in a decade, and the initial Thai winner of the Critics' Week prize.
Produced by 185 Films and directed by Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke in his feature debut, "A Useful Ghost" is a comedic blend of horror and fantasy, starring Davika "Mai" Hoorne and Witsarut "Most" Himmarat. The film is a co-production between Thailand, Singapore, France, and Germany, receiving support from various cultural organizations, such as post-production funding from Thailand's Ministry of Culture's Department of Cultural Promotion and grants from Singapore's Infocomm Media Development Authority.
The plot centers around March, a young man grieving the sudden death of his wife Nat, who succumbed to air pollution. A unique twist unfolds when Nat's spirit returns, not in human form but possessing a vacuum cleaner. Simultaneously, ghosts of factory workers begin haunting March's mother's factory, causing it to shut down. As his family grapples with this extraordinary relationship, Nat aims to prove that love can transcend death, offering a solution to the factory's supernatural disturbances by transforming into a "useful ghost" and banishing the "useless spirits."
"A Useful Ghost" has been widely acclaimed for its audacious and independent style, effortlessly defying conventional categorization. It is a singularly haunting and entertaining work that masterfully intertwines humor, emotional depth, and social commentary, particularly on environmental and labor issues. The film's innovative narrative and its ability to deliver both entertainment and hard-hitting allegories about modern societal and political issues have earned it critical praise.
- The win by "A Useful Ghost" at the Critics' Week of the 78th Cannes Film Festival 2025 not only signals a revival for Thai cinematography in the international arena but also underscores the potential for thriving business and tourism opportunities, as cultural exchange through movies-and-tv can significantly contribute to the economy.
- As "A Useful Ghost" delves into the gloomy yet engrossing subject of air pollution and its tragic impact, it also presents a beacon of hope, reminding us that blending culture, entertainment, and social commentary can lead to profound impacts on the economy and society at large.
- The success of "A Useful Ghost" will likely propel Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke into the ranks of esteemed filmmakers, encouraging further innovative and thought-provoking works in the tourism industry, thereby enriching global cultural landscapes.
