Thailand Chooses Oscar Contender 'A Useful Ghost', Awarded at Cannes, as Its Representative
In the world of international cinema, Thailand's film industry is making waves with its latest submission for the 98th Academy Awards. The film, titled "A Useful Ghost (Pee Chai Dai Ka)", has been chosen by a selection committee comprising industry professionals, from a pool of 57 eligible Thai films released between October 2024 and September 2025.
This debut film by director Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke made its debut at the prestigious Cannes Critics' Week this year and went on to win the grand prize. The film's unique blend of romance, comedy, and satire, reimagining the ghost story genre, has captured the attention of critics and audiences alike.
"A Useful Ghost" follows the story of March, a character mourning his wife Nat who passed away due to dust pollution, a pressing environmental concern in Thailand. The film's unconventional human-ghost relationship faces resistance from March's family. In an unexpected turn, Nat's spirit returns by possessing a vacuum cleaner.
The film also addresses the issue of dust pollution, a severe problem that has plagued Thailand over the past decade. The Thai title of the film, "Pee Chai Dai Ka", carries a dual meaning in local slang, where "dust" also refers to "people with no power." Nat offers to cleanse a factory haunted by a ghost, adding another layer to the film's environmental message.
Catherine Bray, in her review for Variety, praised the film's offbeat charm and successful transition into melancholy mode, shot through with a distinctive sense of the macabre. The film has been lauded for its fresh perspective and thought-provoking themes.
Thailand has been submitting films to the international feature film category at the Academy Awards since 1984, but this is the first time "A Useful Ghost" has been selected. Last year's entry, Pat Boonnitipat's film "How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies", was shortlisted. The Oscar international feature shortlist will be announced on December 16, and the final five nominees will be announced on January 22.
As the world waits to see if "A Useful Ghost" will secure a nomination, one thing is certain - the film has already made a significant impact on the global film scene. With its unique storytelling, environmental message, and captivating performances, "A Useful Ghost" is a film worth watching.
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