BANGKOK, Thailand – The Thai film “Lahn Mah,” internationally known as “How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies,” has been chosen as Thailand’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards. The selection was made by a panel of experts from the Thai film industry, including producers, directors, cinema operators, and media professionals under the National Federation of Thai Film Associations.
The film meets the criteria for the international feature category, which requires entries to be produced outside the United States, exceed 40 minutes in length, and predominantly use a non-English language. Out of 49 Thai films considered this year, “Lahn Mah” was selected for its quality, engaging storyline, and broad appeal to audiences beyond Thailand.
“Lahn Mah” has already achieved considerable success at the global box office, earning at least $50 million (1.6 billion baht) worldwide. The film has performed exceptionally well in China, bringing in around $15 million. Domestically, it became the highest-grossing Thai film of 2024, generating 250 million baht in revenue from Bangkok and Chiang Mai alone as of early September. It is currently available on Netflix and has gained a strong following in several countries, including the Philippines, where all shows were sold out on the opening day.
The story follows a young man named M, whose main ambition is to livestream his video games until he reluctantly agrees to care for his terminally ill grandmother in hopes of inheriting her house. As M moves in with her, he gains a deeper understanding of his Thai-Chinese family and their complex relationships, making it a poignant exploration of family dynamics and personal growth. (NNT)
