“9 Temples to Heaven”, interview with director Sompot Chidgasornpongse

May 22, 2026

"9 Temples to Heaven" director Sompot Chidgasornpongse explores how tradition, religion, architecture and the rituals of Thailand are deeply rooted in the cinematic beauty of his new film

"9 Temples to Heaven", interview with director Sompot Chidgasornpongse Gianluca De Angelis

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During the 79th edition of the Cannes international Film Festival we spoke with the director Sompot Chidgasornpongse for his new film “9 Temples to Heaven“, presented here at the festival in the Quinzaine des Cinéastes section. The film is a beautiful spiritual and human journey that explores the true significance and cultural richness of the “nine temples pilgrimage” tradition in Thai society. This ritual indeed reflects deeply rooted traditions and spiritual beliefs that shape everyday life and artistic expressions in Thailand.

The interview

During our interview with FRED Film Radio, what director Sompot Chidgasornpongse explained is how the journey we see in his “9 Temples to Heaven” film serve as a meaningful spiritual practice for many Thais, symbolizing luck, reverence, and communal identity. This pilgrimage often involves visiting sacred sites, each holding historical and spiritual importance, allowing practitioners to connect with their cultural heritage. In Thai cinema, religion and culture are strictly connected, as often shown also by his master Apitchatpong Weerasethakul’s works. Everyday life in always tangled with the spiritual one, binding communities through shared rituals and beliefs. By portraying these elements authentically, “9 Temples to Heaven” enhances global understanding of Thailand’s spiritual tapestry rooted in the tradition.

“9 Temples to Heaven” by director Sompot Chidgasornpongse demonstrates how integral religion and ritual are within Thai culture, and how the temples symbolize more than religious practice: they embody a sense of continuity, comfort, and unity. Whether depicted through cinematic storytelling or daily rituals, this film settles as a cornerstone in portraying Thai spiritual life and cultural identity, illustrating their enduring influence and intertwining with each other.

Plot

After a fortune teller warns him that his elderly mother may die soon, Sakol sets out on a one-day pilgrimage to nine temples as a remedy. Just two weeks before her birthday, he brings his ailing mother, along with his wife, brother, sister, and children, on the trip amid the splendor of Thai architecture.

Written by: Gianluca De Angelis

Guest

Sompot Chidgasornpongse