Featured Artists

Apichatpong Weerasethakul

Concept and Direction

Born in Bangkok in 1970 and currently based in Chiang Mai, Apichatpong Weerasethakul is an internationally acclaimed filmmaker and visual artist, and the first Thai director to be awarded the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Renowned for his nonlinear storytelling, his works frequently explore themes of memory, identity, desire, and history.
In 1999, he founded the production company Kick the Machine as a platform for independent cinema. His artistic practice extends across film, installation, photography, and theater. Drawing inspiration primarily from Thailand’s northeastern region, Apichatpong’s works are deeply rooted in local folklore, forest landscapes, spiritual beliefs, collective memory, and political history, while also weaving in autobiographical elements. His singular voice has earned widespread acclaim from audiences and critics around the world.

Major Awards and Honors

• 2021: Memoria, Apichatpong’s first film shot outside Thailand and starring Tilda Swinton, received the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival
• 2017: Named Commander in France’s Order of Arts and Letters
• 2016: Cemetery of Splendour selected for the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival
• 2016: Prince Claus Award (The Netherlands)
• 2014: Yanghyun Art Prize (South Korea)
• 2013: Fukuoka Prize for Arts and Culture (Japan)
• 2013: Sharjah Biennial Prize (United Arab Emirates)
• 2010: Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives won the Palme d’Or at the 63rd Cannes Film Festival — Apichatpong became the first Thai filmmaker to receive the award
• 2005: Silpathorn Award, one of the most prestigious honors from Thailand’s Ministry of Culture for visual artists
• 2004: Tropical Malady received the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival

• 2002: Blissfully Yours won the Un Certain Regard Award at the Cannes Film Festival