Every so often in movies, a sequel is even better than the original. Thailand has relaunched the dormant Bangkok International Film Festival, raising the curtain on its sequel with the aim of establishing the Thai capital as a center for cinema in the region and beyond.

The 19-day festival from 27 September to 15 October is truly an international event, as it will screen 200 films from 40 nations. The festival kicked off with the premiere of Death Whisperer 3, a Thai-made action/horror film, and will close with Kokuho, a critically acclaimed Japanese film that examines Kabuki theater. Films from the festival were being shown in six locations around Bangkok.

Devotees of cinema sorely missed the annual event and its diverse menu of independent, cutting-edge, and unusual works from the region and beyond. Along with cementing Bangkok as a cultural capital, the organizers said they are determined to restore the festival’s success in drawing attention to the burgeoning Thai film industry and promoting the Kingdom’s role in movies and movie productions.

Cultural aspirations were half of a double bill with business goals. One component of the festival was the four-day Film Market, which included project pitching, business matching, and seminars and workshops for filmmakers, producers, and others involved in the industry.

“The Film Market will enable international distributors and producers to network with Thai filmmakers, leading to a crucial exchange of views and future collaboration,” said Pimpaka Towira, Executive Director for the Film Market.

An 11-member panel of distinguished filmmakers will serve as the jury and award medals at the festival’s conclusion in categories such as International Competition and New Voices.

While the festival was organized by the private sector, it received support from the Ministry of Culture and the Thailand Creative Culture Agency.