Thai Horror 'Cher' Secures Exclusive Tokyo Financing Slot

The 2026 Tokyo Gap-Financing Market has named 'Cher' as its sole Thai participant. The selection gives the horror feature a dedicated venue to secure the capital required to finish production. The film centers on the Nang Mai, a type of forest nymph found in Thai folklore.

This appointment follows 'Cher' becoming the first Thai project to win a top prize at Canada's Frontières Co-Production Market. The film also secured a spot in the It Project market during the Network of Asian Fantastic Films event in South Korea. These selections have built momentum for the production ahead of its final funding stage.

Benetone Films and Fearfolks are producing the movie. Songsak Mongkolthong, known for 'Graveyard Horror,' is directing the project. Patrick Graham, who wrote Netflix's 'Ghoul,' penned the screenplay. The cast includes Rattanawadee 'Mim' Wongthong, Pae Arak, and Weir Sukollawat. Vikash Nowlakha, the cinematographer for the 'Dhurandhar' films, is handling the camera work. The producers noted that those two Indian films grossed a combined $330 million globally.

Mongkolthong described the narrative as an exploration of the origins of the Nang Mai. He suggested that the creatures may have different roots than traditional Thai teachings indicate. '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,' he said.

Rachvin Narula, CEO of Benetone Films, and COO Kulthep Narula stated that the studio treated 'Cher' as its first major tentpole. They said they were pleased with the early international recognition. 'We are absolutely thrilled it is getting the global recognition it deserves so early on,' they said.

Hans Audric Estialbo, CEO of Fearfolks, thanked the BIFAN, Frontières, and TIFFCOM organizers for providing a platform for Thai cinema. He said that early market success helps build a community of followers, which he identified as essential for successful intellectual properties.

Production on 'Cher' is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2027. The filmmakers plan a global release in 2028. The Tokyo Gap-Financing Market operates as a component of TIFFCOM, the content market associated with the Tokyo International Film Festival.