ยักษ์ไหม้
THE BURNING GIANTS
2026, 118 minutes, Thailand/Singapore/France/The Netherlands, Color, 1.85:1,
5.1 Sound, in Thai and Karen with English subtitles
World Sales: Lucky Number
Synopsis:
A mysterious smoke covers western Thailand, triggering a strange infectious disease whose symptoms resemble burns inflicted by an invisible fire. A villager from the Karen ethnic group is arrested deep in the jungle and taken to a quarantine centre. There, he dreams of returning to his mountain homeland. His wife, who has sought refuge in Bangkok, shares the same longing. But their hope is threatened by forest rangers determined to burn down their village to make way for a national park. Beyond the veil of smoke, an abandoned theatre stands hidden in the jungle, haunted by ogre soldiers fleeing the King’s army in an ancient war reflecting the struggle of the villagers.
Director's Statement
Inspired by the true story of Karen activist Billy, who disappeared after opposing the forced eviction of his village, Yak Mai explores the violence inflicted on communities erased in the name of national progress. Blending historical reality, myth and fantasy, Phuttiphong Aroonpheng draws a parallel between the villagers’ struggle and the ancient epic Ramayana, questioning the narratives used to justify oppression and silence marginalised voices. Through smoke, ghosts and memory, the film becomes an elegy for forgotten lives and a powerful reflection on belonging, loss and resistance.
About the Director:
Phuttiphong Aroonpheng studied fine arts at Bangkok’s Silpakorn University. His short films have screened in festivals including Busan, Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Singapore. His latest short, FERRIS WHEEL, screened in over 20 festivals and received 10 awards. He participated in the 2009 Asian Film Academy at Busan and was also selected as one of the Asian Public Intellectuals fellows by the Nippon Foundation. He also works extensively as a cinematographer, with credits including VANISHING POINT (dir. Jakrawal Nilthamrong), THE ISLAND FUNERAL (dir. Pimpaka Towira), and DOLPHINS (dir. Waleed Al-Shehhi). His debut feature film MANTA RAY premiered at Venice in 2018. THE BURNING GIANTS is his 3rd feature film, following MORRISON..
