International Features Competition

THE BURNING GIANTS

Swiss Premiere
Phuttiphong Aroonpheng
Thailand, France, Singapore, Netherlands
2026, 118'
Genre
Recommended Age
All ages
VO. Thai, kar
ST. French, English
With
Gandhi Wasuvitchayagit, Awat Ratanapintha, Pakapol Srirongmuang
As frightening smoke engulfs the Thai jungle, a man from the Karen ethnic group is arrested. In Bangkok, his wife, Aeva, tries to find him. An enigmatic tale blending myth and reality.
 
Setting out in pursuit of a man covered in mysterious burns, Lak and his police unit decide to quarantine him, fearing a contagious disease caused by the toxic smoke that recently appeared in the forest. But Lak discovers that the man is none other than the husband of his sister-in-law, Aeva, both of whom are of Karen ethnicity. She longs only to find him and return to the village she was forced to leave. Alternating between following in the footsteps of a real-life Karen activist and delving into folkloric tales, Phuttiphong Aroonpheng creates a fascinating and enigmatic work that chronicles the systemic oppression of minorities in Thailand. A journey to the border between legend and reality, with stunning sensory power.

Damien Brodard
Direction
Phuttiphong Aroonpheng
Image
Emo Weemhoff
Editing
Daniel Hui
Music
Christine Ott, Mathieu Gabry
Sound
Chalermrat Kaweewattana, Lim Ting Li, Nopawat Likitwong
Production
Diversion, 13 Little Pictures, Nord-Ouest Films, Sluizer Film Productions
With
Gandhi Wasuvitchayagit, Phunthida Phairuangkij, Thanatwut Rodpai, Waywiree Ittianunkul, Awat Ratanapintha, Thanatwut Rodpai, Pakapol Srirongmuang
World sales
Lucky Number (Martin Hemy Dumas, Fanny Lehmann)
Distribution
Epicentre, Mcf Megacom Film
Phuttiphong Aroonpheng
1976, Thailand
Previous works
2023, Morrison (Feature, Director)
Thursday 5 Nov. 15:30
Cinérama Empire

Saturday 7 Nov. 18:30
Cinérama Empire