Bangkok: The What the Doc! (WTD!) International Documentary Film Festival 2026 has officially opened at Century Sukhumvit with the world premiere of "Songkarn," the latest documentary by renowned Thai director Urupong Rakasatt. The film delves into the lives of artisans in Chiang Rai province who craft and transport traditional Lanna-style funeral pyres, offering a glimpse into their labor, beliefs, and relationship with death.
According to Thai News Agency, the opening event featured a special panel discussion with Kritwit Hrimthepathip, event organizer and president of the Film Culture Promotion Association; Urupong Rakasatt, a judge and director of UNESCO award-winning documentaries; and Aim Phumphat Thavornsiri, a judge and actor. They shared their insights with the audience following the screening.
The festival promises 11 days of entertainment from September 3-13, 2026, held at Doc Club and Friends, Cloud11 Building, and Century Sukhumvit. Admission is free, with films subtitled in Thai and English. This edition features 1,268 entries from 113 countries, categorized into Asia, International, Female Directors, and Short Documentary, competing for over 1 million baht in prizes.
This year's festival also boasts an array of world-class judges and guests, including Jasper Hokken from IDFA, Iranian director Mania Akbari, Filipino indie film leader Khavn De La Cruz, and a special screening of "Are We Monster?" by Thanyasok Pansittivorakul, winner of the Best Short Film award at the BAFICI festival in Argentina.