Experience a rare live narration of Mae Nak Phra Khanong at Thailand’s oldest wooden cinema during Bangkok Open-Air Film Festival. Free entry, no booking required.

Bangkok Open-Air Film Festival 2026 (Krungthep Klang Plang) returns this January for its fourth edition, running until 1 February. After opening events earlier in the month, the festival now moves into its second week with a programme centred on one of Bangkok’s most historic film venues.

From 24 to 25 January, screenings will take place at Nang Loeng Cinema, also known as Sala Chalerm Thani, the oldest surviving stand-alone wooden cinema in Thailand. This 107 year old wooden cinema is currently maintained by the Film Archive and remains an important landmark in the city’s film history.

The weekend programme opens on 24 January with Salween (1993). Widely regarded as a major work in Thai action cinema, the film is known for its strong narrative style. Screening the film at Nang Loeng Cinema offers audiences a rare chance to revisit a modern classic in a venue closely linked to the early days of film exhibition in Thailand.

On 25 January, the focus shifts to classic Thai horror with Mae Nak Phra Khanong (1959.) The film will be presented with live narration by Dok Khamtai or Kosit Krittinan, alongside Siwaporn Phuak Pewiam, recreating the style of traditional film screenings from the past.

This live voiced version attracted strong interest when it was shown by the Film Archive late last year and now returns to deliver a distinct and immersive experience that is rarely seen today.

Both screenings are open to the public with no advance booking required. The format follows the style of traditional outdoor cinema, with no fixed seating provided. Viewers are welcome to bring mats or portable chairs and watch the films in a relaxed, communal setting.

Bangkok Open Air Cinema 4 is organised by the Thai Film Director Association, the Film Archive Public Organisation, and happening magazine, with support from the Department of Cultural Promotion under the Ministry of Culture. In addition to film screenings, the festival also features performances, talks, food stalls, and craft booths throughout the programme.

Further updates and details are available via the Thai Film Director Association’s official Facebook page.