These are our six recommended short films from the Bangkok ASEAN Film Festival, which will take place from March 28 – 31, 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Basri & Salma in Never-ending Comedy by Khozy Rizal – Indonesia | 2023 – 15 minutes

A husband and wife spend their days entertaining and taking care of other people’s children without any of their own. Between meddling relatives, self-doubt and an explosive confrontation, they uncover why they have not been blessed with a child. (BAFF 2024)

Trailer:

Chomp It! by Mark Chua, Lam Li Shuen – Singapore | 2023 – 12 minutes

Two crocodilian men go to a swimming pool to cool off. One of them is seemingly of a different and special kind. The other is unable to control his desire. (BAFF 2024)

Trailer:

Cross My Heart and Hope To Die by Sam Manacsa – Philippines | 2023 – 18 minutes

Mila struggles as she remains unpaid at work and a love interest becomes a source of comfort through his constant phone calls. But a promise of hope may also lead to tragedy and sad love songs. (BAFF 2024)

Trailer:

Hito by Stephen Lopez – Philippines | 2023 – 22 minutes

Between nuclear reactors and military curfews, 14-year-old Jani lives in a dystopian world oppressively devoid of empathy. Together, she and her slippery new friend Kiefer – the talking catfish – gear up to strike a surreal blow for freedom. (BAFF 2024)

Trailer:

Once Upon a Time There Was a Mom by Lin Htet Aung – Myanmar | 2023 – 29 minutes

On the day after a mother’s death, the father transforms back into his teenager-self, becoming the same age as his son. The film depicts the dysfunctional story metaphorically representing the insightful history of Burma by juxtaposing it with the Vessantara Jātaka tale. (BAFF 2024)

Trailer:

Primetime Mother by Sonny Calvento – Philippines, Singapore | 2023 – 15 minutes

The audition process for an exploitative game show becomes the latest test of a long-suffering mother’s fortitude and tenacity in Sonny Calvento’s bold satire. (BAFF 2024)

Trailer:

For more information, please visit: https://www.baff.go.th