Thai Forest Spirit Horror ‘Cher,’ First Thai Winner at Frontières, Joins Tokyo Gap-Financing Market
Thai horror film *Cher*, based on the forest nymphs of Thai folklore, has joined the 2026 Tokyo Gap-Financing Market. It is the only Thai project in the lineup and follows its selection for, and top-prize win at, Canada’s Frontières Co-Production Market, making it the first Thai project to achieve both.
Directed by Songsak Mongkolthong from a screenplay by Patrick Graham, the film stars Rattanawadee “Mim” Wongthong, Pae Arak and Weir Sukollawat. Its story questions the origins of the Nang Mai and explores prejudice, anger and hatred. Filming is planned for early 2027, with a global release in 2028; the Tokyo market is part of TIFFCOM, alongside the Tokyo International Film Festival.
In short
- *Cher* is the only Thai entry in Tokyo’s 2026 gap-financing lineup.
- It became the first Thai project to win a top Frontières prize.
- Filming is planned for early 2027, ahead of a 2028 release.
Explained simply
Thai folklore includes Nang Mai, female spirits associated with trees and forests. *Cher* draws on these figures for a horror story that also explores how prejudice and strong emotions shape people’s behaviour.
The film is directed by Songsak Mongkolthong and written by Patrick Graham. Its cast includes Rattanawadee “Mim” Wongthong, Pae Arak and Weir Sukollawat.
Film markets bring projects together with potential financiers and industry partners. Tokyo’s Gap-Financing Market is part of TIFFCOM, which runs alongside the Tokyo International Film Festival, and offers a way to understand how films seek support before production.
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