Pattaya International Film Festival 2026: Films, Events & Visitor Guide
The inaugural Pattaya International Film Festival 2026 (PTYIFF) is set to take place from 22–30 August, bringing a week of film screenings, special events and international guests to the city.
While Pattaya is already well known for its beaches, nightlife and major sporting events, this new festival aims to showcase another side of the city by attracting filmmakers, actors and cinema lovers from Thailand and around the world.
If successful, it could become another significant annual event on Pattaya’s growing festival calendar.
Update: While some earlier promotional material listed the festival as 23–30 August, organisers have confirmed that an additional opening evening has been added. The festival will now run from 22–30 August 2026.
What is the Pattaya International Film Festival?
The 2026 festival is being presented as the first edition of a newly reimagined international event, building on the legacy of the previous regional Pattaya Film Festival.
Organisers say the goal is to establish Pattaya as one of Southeast Asia’s leading destinations for international cinema, with a programme featuring films from multiple countries and genres, alongside cultural activities and industry events.
Unlike many local festivals, this is designed to appeal to both filmmakers and the general public.
When is it?
Dates: 22 – 30 August 2026
The festival runs for eight days, giving both residents and visitors plenty of opportunities to catch screenings or attend special events throughout the week.
Where will it be held?
Screenings are expected to take place at SFX Cinema locations in Pattaya, with the Opening Night Gala held at a separate venue.
Additional venues may also be announced by organisers closer to the event.
What can visitors expect?
Even if you’re not a serious film enthusiast, there are several reasons the festival may be worth checking out.
International films
Dozens of films from around the world are expected to be screened across multiple genres, giving audiences the chance to see productions that may never receive a commercial cinema release in Thailand.
Filmmaker Q&A sessions
One of the more interesting aspects of the festival is that many screenings will be followed by live question-and-answer sessions with the filmmakers themselves.
This gives visitors the opportunity to hear directly from directors, producers and actors about the stories behind their films.
Opening Gala
The festival will begin with a formal Opening Gala featuring members of Thailand’s film industry and invited international guests.
Legendary Thai actress Patravadi “Lek” Mejudhon, recently seen by many international viewers in The White Lotus, is scheduled to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award during the festival.
Cultural experiences
Organisers also plan to combine film with food and cultural activities celebrating different countries and traditions, making the event more than just a series of movie screenings.
Who is the festival for?
While the festival naturally targets filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts, many events should also appeal to casual visitors looking for something different during their stay in Pattaya.
If you enjoy international films, independent cinema or simply experiencing new events, this could be an enjoyable addition to your itinerary.
Even attending a single screening or gala event would offer a very different perspective on Pattaya from the city’s more familiar attractions.
Pattaya’s Changing Image
The Pattaya International Film Festival also reflects a broader trend that has become increasingly visible over recent years.
City leaders have repeatedly spoken about developing Pattaya into a year-round destination that offers more than beaches and nightlife. Alongside major sporting events, international music festivals, family attractions and cultural celebrations, the city is working to build a calendar of events that appeals to a wider range of visitors.
Whether it’s hosting international marathons, attracting global music festivals, opening new family attractions or launching events like this film festival, Pattaya appears to be investing heavily in becoming a more diverse tourism destination.
The Pattaya International Film Festival fits naturally into that vision by bringing together cinema, culture and international visitors in an event that has ambitions to grow well beyond its inaugural year.
Only time will tell whether it develops into one of Southeast Asia’s leading film festivals, but the organisers have certainly set their sights high.
Planning to Attend?
If you’re visiting Pattaya during 22–30 August 2026, the festival could provide an interesting alternative to the city’s usual attractions, particularly if you’re looking for something a little different in the evenings.
As the event approaches, organisers are expected to release the full screening schedule, participating films and ticket information.
For the latest updates, programme details and booking information, visit the official Pattaya International Film Festival website and Facebook page.