Sompot Chidgasornpongse's '9 Temples to Heaven' Screens at New York Film Festival
'9 Temples to Heaven' (2026), the first narrative feature from Sompot Chidgasornpongse, was showcased at the New York Film Festival. The story centers on Sakol (Surachai Ningsanond), a middle-aged man, and his family as they journey to nine Buddhist temples to seek extended life for his aging mother, Sakuay (Amara Ramnarong). A vision from Sakol's boss necessitates that they complete their temple visits within a single day to gain the greatest blessings. The film commences with a golden altar set in a dimly lit room, unveiling a larger structure within a temple. Chidgasornpongse, known for directing 'Railway Sleepers' and working with Apichatpong Weerasethakul, employs long takes to delve into the intersection of Buddhism, capitalism, and daily life in Thailand.
Key facts
- '9 Temples to Heaven' (2026) is Sompot Chidgasornpongse's debut feature narrative.
- The film recently screened at the New York Film Festival.
- It follows a Thai family led by Sakol (Surachai Ningsanond) visiting nine Buddhist temples in one day to build merit.
- The goal is to extend the life of his elderly mother, Sakuay, also known as 'Grandma' (Amara Ramnarong).
- A premonition from Sakol's employer, who has a history of prescient visions, requires completing the visits within a single day.
- Chidgasornpongse previously directed the documentary 'Railway Sleepers' and has assistant directed with Apichatpong Weerasethakul.
- The film uses long takes and wide angles to capture dichotomous architecture in and around Bangkok.
- It opens with a small golden altar in a dark room, revealing a larger temple structure and preparations for a funeral.
Entities
Artists
- Sompot Chidgasornpongse
- Surachai Ningsanond
- Amara Ramnarong
- Apichatpong Weerasethakul
- Donald Trump
Institutions
- New York Film Festival
Locations
- Thailand
- Bangkok
- New York City
- United States