Thailand picks Weerasethakul protégé's Cannes debut for Oscar submission

Thailand has selected "9 Temples to Heaven," the debut narrative feature from Sompot Chidgasornpongse, as its submission for the 99th Academy Awards' international feature category. Chidgasornpongse spent roughly two decades as assistant director to Apichatpong Weerasethakul, who produces. The film, chosen from 51 eligible titles, was the first Thai feature in Cannes' Directors' Fortnight in nearly two decades. Playtime handles international sales; Thailand theatrical opening is 17 September.