In June 2026, the Thai Film Foundation and Ateliers Varan issued a call for applications for a documentary filmmaking workshop in Bangkok, Thailand.

This intensive, free training program for up-and-coming Thai talent in the documentary film industry, scheduled for the summer of 2026, will take place in the Nang Loeng neighborhood of Bangkok.

The workshop, designed in collaboration with local film institutions to address the need for documentary training, was aimed at young Thais eager to express their views on social issues but lacking the structures and concrete spaces to develop their skills. The success of the call for applications - which drew more than 150 submissions - demonstrates the strong interest among young Thais in the genre. Following a joint selection process by the Thai Film Archive and the Varan Workshops, 10 participants were chosen (6 women, 4 men).

Participants selected for the Ateliers Varan workshop in Bangkok:

• Pavit Karoonvichien (25, Bangkok)
• Phunnawee Kittikul (21, Pathum Thani)
• Natthapol Kitwarasai (25, Pathum Thani)
• Panisa Khueanphet (27, Bangkok)
• Pathomporn Kaewnoo (34, Bangkok)
• Rachapant Sukrattanachaikul (43, Bangkok)
• Pornlapat Santamat (age 24, Bangkok)
• Prima Sirivasuntra (age 27, Bangkok)
• Suwaporn Worrasit (age 38, Bangkok)
• Onarisa Sapsompong (age 29, Bangkok)

The trainees will participate in the documentary filmmaking workshop, which will take place from July 20 to September 26, 2026. The workshop will be led by Daniele Incalcaterra and Mariana Otero in filmmaking, and Luc Forveille and Emmanuelle Baude on editing, with Pascal Deux providing guidance on sound.

Partners

The workshop is supported by the Department of Cultural Promotion of the Thai Ministry of Culture, thethe French Embassy in Thailand and the regional audiovisual cooperation in South-East Asia of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, the Italian Cultural Institute in Bangkok, Rai Cinema, and the Nang Loeng community.

Workshops in Thailand