Thai Forest Horror 'Cher' Brings Nang Mai Folklore to Tokyo Gap-Financing Market

Thai horror film 'Cher,' rooted in the Nang Mai forest nymph mythology, is the sole Thai project selected for the 2026 Tokyo Gap-Financing Market. This follows its historic win at Canada's Frontières Co-Production Market, where it became the first Thai project to receive a top prize. The film is produced by Benetone Films, a leading Thai production company, signaling growing international interest in Southeast Asian genre cinema. The Nang Mai legend, which features seductive female spirits inhabiting trees, offers a culturally distinct take on the eco-horror subgenre. The project's presence at Tokyo highlights the expanding global market for Thai folklore-driven stories and the strategic role of co-production markets in financing ambitious regional films. 'Cher' is poised to attract international partners and distribution deals, potentially paving the way for more Thai horror on the world stage.