Thai filmmaker Sivaroj Kongsakul, known for his critically acclaimed debut “Eternity,” is making a highly anticipated return with his second feature, “Regretfully at Dawn.” The film, which explores the intertwined lives of an elderly man, a young girl, and a soldier, is slated to premiere in the New Directors section at the San Sebastian International Film Festival and will subsequently be showcased at the Busan International Film Festival in October.
“Regretfully at Dawn” marks a departure from Kongsakul’s previous work, including his recent television projects. The narrative centers around Yong Junjam, played by veteran Thai rock musician Surachai Juntimatorn. Yong’s seemingly ordinary life in a small province near Bangkok is tinged with his past as a soldier. Despite his declining health, he dreams of building a treehouse and cares for his niece, who was left in his custody. As Yong senses his life nearing its end, the film delves into themes of mortality and memory.
The film, produced by Pimpaka Towira of Extra Virgin and Weijie Lai of E&W Films, has garnered attention from various international labs and co-production markets, including the Hubert Bals Fund and Cannes Fondation’s Residency program. It also received grant support from Singapore IMDA’s Southeast Asian Co-Production scheme.
Kongsakul reflects on the film’s genesis, stating that it is a deeply personal project born from his contemplation of life, death, and his own experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic. “The three main characters in ‘Regretfully at Dawn’ serve as vessels for my memories and thoughts about the past, present, and future,” he explains.
Kongsakul’s career includes work on the pan-Asian omnibus “Distance” and various television series such as the Korean remake of “Autumn in My Heart” and the Netflix Thailand series “Master of the House.”
