It Project Selection

2024 SelectionList

Naga Swim Upstream

Naga Swim Upstream

Country Thailand
Director Patiparn BOONTARIG
Producer Napakarn BOONTARIG
Writer Kalil PITSUWAN
Production Company Error Brothers Ltd.
Format 4K | Color | 100min
Genre Magical Realism, Environmental, Fantasy

Synopsis

In Chiang Rai, Oak returns home to find his father missing. He uncovers his family's history of activism against the Mekong River dam through dreams and revelations from his mother. He learns of his Naga lineage—mythical creatures turned human due to the dam blocking their upstream home. Discovering the entire village shares this lineage, Oak faces a momentous decision when a theater group invites him to join their fight against a new dam's construction.

Director

Patiparn BOONTARIG

Patiparn BOONTARIG, a Thai filmmaker, has created numerous short films and documentaries on equality and the impact of man-made dams. His first feature film, Solids by the Seashore (2023), won the New Currents Award and NETPAC Award at the Busan International Film Festival, as well as the Prix du Jury and Coup de Coeur INALCO Award at the Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinemas. He also served as an assistant director for Manta Ray (2018), which won the Orizzonti Award for Best Film.

Producer

Napakarn BOONTARIG

Napakarn BOONTARIG is a producer at Error Brothers. She was born in Chiang Rai province, the same location where Naga Swim Upstream will be shot. She has a deep connection to the local community and its folklore, having engaged with the villagers throughout her life. Napakarn worked with Patiparn Boontarig, the director, on the feature film Solids by the Seashore (2023), and also on the award-winning short documentary Multiverse of Mekong, which is the research project of Naga Swim Upstream.

Production Company

Error Brothers Ltd.

Error Brothers, a production company based in Thailand, has produced the feature film Solids by the Seashore (2023), with Diversion and Mit Out Sound Films. The feature premiered at the Busan International Film Festival, where it received two awards, including the New Currents Award (Supported by LG OLED). Additionally, the film won the Prix du Jury Award and the Coup de Coeur INALCO Award at the 30th Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema. Error Brothers has also produced Crystallized Memory (2022), directed by Chonchanok Thanatteepwong, which screened at the Rotterdam International Film Festival and New Director New Films in New York.