Event: 1st Chiang Mai International Film Festival (CIFF) 2025
Dates: November 28–30, 2025
Venues: Central Chiang Mai Airport, Major Group cinemas, and partner locations citywide
Organizer: Northern Film & Digital Media Association (NTFD)
NTFD President: Dr. Adisorn Suddee (CEO, MGY Entertainment Co., Ltd.)
A new industry engine for the North
Chiang Mai has officially launched the Northern Film & Digital Media Association (NTFD), uniting producers, directors, writers, actors, artists, and crews across the region to accelerate screen-sector growth. The Association’s first major initiative is the 1st Chiang Mai International Film Festival (CIFF) 2025, a three‑day, full‑scale international festival designed to position Chiang Mai as a global hub for film and digital media.
NTFD’s mandate is clear: connect the region’s creative talent with national and international opportunity, strengthen professional pathways on and off set, and activate film as a driver of culture, tourism, and investment.
Why Chiang Mai — why now
With proven strengths as a MICE city and tourism hub — modern venues, strong logistics, quality hotels, rich cultural heritage, and cinematic landscapes already seen on local and international screens — Chiang Mai is ready to host a flagship festival that blends industry, culture, and commerce. CIFF 2025 is structured to do exactly that.
CIFF 2025 — Program Highlights
- CIFF Short Film Contest 2025 — prizes totaling 600,000 THB.
- Finalist & International Screenings — selections from 10+ countries.
- CIFF Talk — film‑industry seminars with practitioners and partners.
- Red Carpet & Fashion Show — spotlighting artists and actors.
- CIFF Exhibition & Showcase — knowledge exchange, tech, craft, and innovation.
- CIFF Business Networking — producers, platforms, studios, investors.
- CIFF Awards & CIFF Star Awards — honoring outstanding shorts and performances.
Leadership and partners
At the launch press conference, stakeholders outlined a shared roadmap:
- Dr. Teerapat Tanpiriyakul — Deputy Chief Executive, Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organization: creative innovation city vision and global entertainment ambitions.
- Mr. Itthirat Sinarak — Chiang Mai Provincial Tourism and Sports Officer: preparing a Film Friendly City.
- Ms. Kornwan Soommart — Chiang Mai Provincial Cultural Officer: elevating cultural capital and Thai soft power through film.
- Dr. Adisorn Suddee — President, NTFD: festival plan and association agenda.
- Asst. Prof. Nanthasit Kittivorakul — Head, Communication Innovation Center, Chiang Mai University: academic and international event support.
- Mr. Porntep Attakitpaisarn — Central Pattana PCL: venue sponsorship (Northern Region Branch Operations Group).
- Ms. Kanchana Jantajaroen — Major Group Co., Ltd.: cinema partner and screenings.
What CIFF means for Chiang Mai’s economy
- Tourism uplift: high‑value visitors with longer stays tied to programming, workshops, and screenings.
- SME opportunity: work for local production houses, post‑production, design, fashion, hospitality, transport, PR, and event suppliers.
- Talent pipeline: clearer pathways for crews and creators, internships, and academic partnerships.
- Soft‑power impact: compelling stories and imagery that amplify Chiang Mai’s global brand.
How to get involved
- Filmmakers: Prepare submissions for the CIFF Short Film Contest 2025 (official rules and timelines to be announced).
- Industry & brands: Enquire about partner pavilions, showcases, and networking sessions.
- Universities & students: Watch for volunteer, accreditation, and internship calls.
- Media & press: Register interest for screenings, interviews, and red‑carpet coverage.
Save the dates
Chiang Mai International Film Festival (CIFF) 2025
November 28–30, 2025 — Central Chiang Mai Airport, Major Group cinemas, and partner venues across the city.
CMBN Coverage: ChiangMaiBusiness.net will publish the full program, submission details, juries, and ticketing as they are released — plus industry interviews, venue spotlights, and behind‑the‑scenes features.
Have a film, showcase, or partnership idea for CIFF 2025? Tell us what you’re building, and we’ll connect you with the right team.
