Thai horror project Cher has secured a prominent slot at the 2026 Tokyo Gap-Financing Market, marking a milestone as the only Thai entry in the lineup.
The film centers on the folklore of the Nang Mai, the forest nymphs of Thai myth. Director Songsak Mongkolthong stated that the narrative examines the origins of these mythical figures within Thai belief. “The idea of starting a new life begins with confronting our own prejudices, anger, and hatred. When we learn to move beyond anger and hatred, a new life can begin,” Mongkolthong said.
Before heading to Tokyo, Cher achieved a first for Thai cinema at Canada’s Frontières Co-Production Market, where it was selected and won a top prize. The project also secured selection at the It Project market at the Network of Asian Fantastic Films (NAFF), part of South Korea’s Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN).
“We are extremely grateful to BIFAN, Frontières and TIFFCOM for giving Thai films a voice on this global stage, and for allowing us to bear these great honors,” said Fearfolks CEO Hans Audric Estialbo. “Prestigious markets like TIFFCOM allow the film to build momentum and a community of followers early, which is what most successful IPs need now.”
Benetone Films and Fearfolks are producing the feature. Songsak Mongkolthong, whose past credits include Graveyard Horror and School Tales the Series, directs from a screenplay by Patrick Graham, who wrote Netflix’s Ghoul and Betaal.
The cast features Rattanawadee “Mim” Wongthong from Death Whisperer, alongside Pae Arak and Weir Sukollawat of 4 Tigers. Vikash Nowlakha, cinematographer for the Dhurandhar duology—which producers noted earned a combined $330 million at the global box office—serves as director of photography.
Benetone Films CEO Rachvin Narula and COO Kulthep Narula stated that the studio backed the project from the outset as its first tentpole, adopting a strategy different from typical Thai studios. “We are absolutely thrilled it is getting the global recognition it deserves so early on,” they said.
Filming is scheduled to begin in the first three months of 2027, with a global release planned for 2028. The Tokyo Gap-Financing Market operates as part of TIFFCOM, the content market attached to the Tokyo International Film Festival.
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