The Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) has announced Thailand as the inaugural Country of Honor for its 2026 edition, marking the launch of a new partnership program designed to strengthen international co-productions, content investment, and intellectual property (IP) collaboration.
As the official industry market of the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), ACFM said the new initiative represents its highest level of country partnership and is intended to connect a participating nation’s film and content industries directly with ACFM’s international business network.
The program will integrate Thailand’s film and content sector across ACFM’s major platforms, including the Sales Market, Asian Project Market (APM), Busan Story Market (BSM), and Asian Cinema Fund (ACF). Organizers say the initiative will help promote Thai content while creating new opportunities for cross-border investment, international co-productions, and remake rights.
Thailand has become an increasingly important player in Asia’s screen industry, supported by government investment in creative industries and production incentives. More than 540 international productions were filmed in Thailand in 2025, while qualifying foreign productions can receive cash rebates of up to 30%. The country has also gained international attention through the growing success of Thai films and series on global streaming platforms.
The partnership builds on a long-standing relationship between Thailand and ACFM. Over the years, several Thai projects developed through ACFM and its predecessor programs have gone on to receive international recognition, including Wonderful Town, Where We Belong, and Anatomy of Time.
Through the Country of Honor program, Thailand’s filmmakers, production companies, and content creators will receive expanded promotional opportunities and increased visibility throughout the market, while industry professionals from Thailand and Korea will have additional opportunities to develop business partnerships.
“Thailand has developed content as a key pillar of its national soft power strategy, and ACFM is where that strategy meets the global market,” said ACFM Director Ellen Y.D. Kim, adding that the new program is intended to create practical business opportunities in sales, investment, and co-production.
The 2026 Asian Contents & Film Market will take place from October 10 to 13 at BEXCO Exhibition Center 2 in Busan.
Registration is now open, with online market services becoming available from October 6, the opening day of the 31st Busan International Film Festival.
