Experimental Film is a process which allows filmmakers to express themselves without limit, boundaries and market concern. It in fact emphasizes on artistic expression more than purely entertainment. Due to the lack of experimental film production and consumption, the first Bangkok International Film Festival was established in 1996 by Project 304 and Thai Film Foundation, consisted of young artists, video artist & filmmakers, aims to provide an alternative cinematic experiences for the audiences by presenting film and video works made by experimental filmmakers, video makers from local and international perspectives.

In 1997, the festival was launched with 50 experimental films and it sent the messages and affected the way of thinking for local audiences. From the success of the first festival, the second festival was followed in two years later by utilizing a new name “The Second Bangkok Experimental Film Festival”. This festival was attracted local and international experimental filmmakers. There were finally 150 movies screened in this second festival in 1999.

The Third Bangkok Experimental Film Festival in 2001, focus on collaborating with international curators entitled, “Digital Orgy”. More than 200 films and video works came from Austria, Australia, Croatia, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Germany, France, Sweden, Thailand, USA and England. Meanwhile, we worked with local institutions e.g. Alliance-Française, Goethe Institute, Siam Art Space and National Gallery. This festival traveled into many cities, for instance, Chiangmai, Singapore and Stockholm in the in the year later.

From the huge success of previous festivals, Bangkok Experimental Film Festival is one of a significant artistic activity from Thai contemporary art and culture, to instigate artists, filmmakers, students, and public’s cinematic experiences. This event serves as a tool for networking between filmmakers / arts community, government and private sectors to collaborate, preserve art and culture and creative development for Thai society.

project 304