Baan Khao Muang Khan, Baan Rao Muang Kaen” Resonates Once Again at the 9th Kaen International Film Festival 2025

The familiar phrase “Baan Khao Muang Khan, Baan Rao Muang Kaen” echoed once again as the 9th Kaen International Film Festival 2025 (KIFF 2025) was held grandly on 12 December 2025 at Khon Kaen Hall, Central Khon Kaen. The event welcomed directors, actors, and film production teams from Thailand, the Lao PDR, Vietnam, India, and the United States, along with film network partners from both public and private sectors. The atmosphere was vibrant and energetic, from the red carpet to the stage of the annual Kaen-Heart Short Film Awards ceremony.

The opening ceremony was presided over by Mr. Jessada Cheewawichawalkul, Inspector General of the Ministry of Culture. Mr. Phanthep Saokosol, Deputy Governor of Khon Kaen Province, delivered the welcome remarks, while Assoc. Prof. Dr. Niyom Wongphongkham, Vice President of Khon Kaen University, presented the event report. The ceremony was further honored by Mr. Dinh Hoang Linh, Consul General of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Khon Kaen, who expressed his appreciation for the growing regional collaboration in film culture and praised Khon Kaen University for its significant role in advancing Isan cinema onto the international stage.

This year’s Kaen-Heart Short Film Competition attracted strong interest from emerging filmmakers across the region. The award-winning films are as follows:

Best Short Film Award (100,000 THB):
FAT BOY – Khana Larn Yai Maem Team

First Runner-up (50,000 THB):
Jam Huk Luem Hao (Can You Remember Me) – Aramphabot Film Team

Second Runner-up (30,000 THB):
Pun Huk: The New Dawn – Suphanouvong University Team

Best Actor Award (10,000 THB):
Somyot Maturet – FAT BOY, Khana Larn Yai Maem Team

Best Actress Award (10,000 THB):
Anita Yaganegi – Murah, Tee Si Production

Best Cinematography Award (20,000 THB):
Soul Revenge Body Swap – Impossible Team

The 9th Kaen International Film Festival was successfully held through strong collaboration among domestic and international partners, reaffirming Khon Kaen’s role as a creative hub for film production and serving as an important platform for empowering Isan filmmakers to step confidently onto the global stage.

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