Khon Kaen University, through its Art and Culture Center, organized the 9th Creative Short Film Camp on Thai-Lao Arts and Culture, titled “Express Bus”, from July 30 to August 4, 2025. The event brought together over 31 youth and student teams from universities across Thailand and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to learn, produce, and showcase short films on-site in Khon Kaen, under the theme “Transporting Thai-Lao Culture” from a modern youth perspective.
The opening ceremony, held on July 31, 2025, was attended by key figures who emphasized the project’s role in fostering creative expression through Soft Power. Ms. Lipikar Kamlangchai, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Cultural Promotion, presided over the opening. M.L. Chalermchatri Yukol, Chair of the Subcommittee on Soft Power Promotion in Film, Series, Documentaries, and Animation, gave a keynote on the significance of film-driven cultural diplomacy. Mr. Tossapon Wongsalee, Secretary to the Khon Kaen Provincial Administrative Organization President, delivered welcome remarks, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Niyom Wongphongkham, Vice President for Art, Culture, and Creative Economy at KKU, presented the project report.
The camp offered intensive workshops on acting, directing, screenwriting, and film scoring, led by renowned filmmakers from Thailand and Laos, including Thanit Jitnukul, Prachya Pinkaew, Kongkiat Khomsiri, Bandit Thongdee, Rachane Limtrakul, Thiti Srinuan, and Anysay Keola, who shared their experience and inspired the next generation of regional filmmakers.
Special sessions included a panel discussion on “Cross Currents: The Future of University Film in Thailand and Laos,” a tribute to legendary Thai filmmaker Pairoj Sangwaribut, and an on-location production day at Khon Kaen Bus Terminal 1, which served as the primary setting for this year’s films.
The camp concluded with a screening of short films from all 31 teams, in a warm, celebratory atmosphere filled with pride and creativity. The Best Short Film Award was presented to the team from Souphanouvong University, Lao PDR, who received a prize of 10,000 baht, while Master Thianthawin Prechakraisit (Aden) was awarded Best Actor for his outstanding emotional performance.
Sonpasit Phanpila, a third-year student in Mass Communication from Pong Savanh University, Lao PDR, shared his experience as a member of the winning team. Their short film, titled “Baw Kaw Saw: Home of San,” was inspired by the once-vibrant Khon Kaen Bus Terminal, now a quieter space. The character “San” represents the forgotten soul of the terminal, interacting with vendors and songthaew drivers, breathing new life into the location. The film impressed with its narrative depth, creative blend of Isan culture and sci-fi elements, and a foreign actor delivering lines in the local dialect — a unique touch that won over the judges.
“This camp gave us invaluable experience,” said Sonpasit. “In Laos, we don’t have dedicated film courses, only general mass communication. So this program helped cultivate and refine our skills. Our professors helped coordinate travel and logistics, especially for those leaving the country for the first time. The support in terms of meals, accommodation, and budget was excellent. I’m truly grateful to the organizers and instructors. I’ll share this experience with future students — how to prepare for filmmaking, write a script, and approach production — to help promote short films from both sides of the Mekong as Soft Power that strengthens cultural ties and elevates the Thai-Lao film industry.”
This project was more than a short film camp. It was a space for youth collaboration, international friendships, and comprehensive filmmaking skill development. It fostered a shared vision to advance the Thai and Lao short film industries, while championing cross-border cultural exchange through the power of storytelling, creativity, and next-generation Soft Power on a global stage.
