The second Chiang Mai International Film Festival (CMIFF 2026) opened on the 28th of August with a red carpet ceremony at Central Chiang Mai Airport and Major Cineplex, presided over by Prartana Lintanawa, deputy director-general of the Department of Cultural Promotion. Also present were Chiang Mai deputy governor Siwa Thamikanon, Dr Adit Suridee of the Northern Film and Digital Media Association, along with actors, filmmakers and press from Thailand and abroad.
The festival’s stated aim is to push Chiang Mai from “creative city” toward “global festival city” status, positioning it as a “Chiang Mai Film Destination” and full-scale film production hub. The pitch leans heavily on the province’s arts, local wisdom, creative economy and varied filming locations.
Deputy governor Siwa argued Chiang Mai’s mix of diverse natural settings and distinct Lanna culture and identity make it well suited to production work, and framed the festival as a chance to raise the province’s international profile while driving tourism spending and industry connections. Prartana called the festival a bridge between Lanna cultural charm and the film and digital media industry, invoking “soft power” and film tourism as economic drivers meant to establish Chiang Mai as a full production and shooting centre.
The opening programme included a festival trailer, a grand opening show, plaques of appreciation for sponsors, and the red carpet walk, drawing directors, producers and young industry hopefuls from several countries. Public screenings of the opening film and international selections ran from 4pm to 10pm at Major Cineplex, Central Chiang Mai Airport.