International Film Submission: Thailand Selects "A Useful Ghost," an Allegory Featuring a Vacuum Cleaner, as Best Foreign Feature Candidate for the Oscars

In an exciting turn of events, Thailand has submitted "A Useful Ghost" for the best international feature film category at the 98th Oscars. This marks the country's first nomination for the prestigious award.

Directed by Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke, "A Useful Ghost" is the filmmaker's debut feature film. The synopsis for the film states that it revolves around a woman named Nat, who dies and returns as a vacuum cleaner to stay close to her husband March.

The film's ensemble cast includes Witsarut Himmarat, Apasiri Nitibhon, Wanlop Rungkumjud, and Wisarut Homhuan, along with Davika Hoorne, a renowned Thai actress, influencer, and model.

The story of "A Useful Ghost" is inspired by a well-known ghost story in Thai folklore and explores themes related to Thailand's history of small people that get forgotten. The family in the film rejects Nat's supernatural relationship with March, as they are still haunted by the accidental death of a factory worker.

Nat, determined to prove herself a useful ghost, offers to clean the factory, even if that means doing away with some lost souls. March's daily life is turned upside down when he discovers his wife's spirit has been reincarnated in a vacuum cleaner.

"A Useful Ghost" is a plea to not sweep the past under the carpet, according to director Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke. The film premiered in the Critics' Week lineup in Cannes during the Cannes Film Festival.

Thailand's entry into the Oscars comes at a time when Best Friends Forever is handling international sales for the film. Best Friends Forever is a renowned company known for their work in the film industry.

Interestingly, Pat Boonnitipat's "How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies" made the shortlist for the international feature Oscar this year, indicating a promising future for Thai cinema on the global stage.

The 98th Academy Awards will take place on Sunday, March 15. While the competition is fierce, the anticipation for "A Useful Ghost" is high, and Thai cinema enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly waiting for the results.

It's worth noting that Dwayne Johnson did not discuss "A Useful Ghost" in Venice, keeping the focus firmly on the film itself. Regardless, the buzz around this unique and intriguing film continues to grow, and fans of international cinema are excited to see what the future holds for "A Useful Ghost" at the Oscars.

International Film Submission: Thailand Selects "A Useful Ghost," an Allegory Featuring a Vacuum Cleaner, as Best Foreign Feature Candidate for the Oscars