LUMINA Community Film Festival 2025 Press Gathering Recap

Hosted by ME GOODY at ME GOODY Space | Festival Dates: May 15–17, 13:00–21:00

This week, ME GOODY proudly welcomed media, creatives, and community members to an
intimate press gathering ahead of the highly anticipated LUMINA Community Film Festival,
happening next month from May 15–17 at the heart of Bangkok’s creative district.

As the sole investor and organizer of this bold new initiative, ME GOODY introduced the vision behind LUMINA — a community-centric film festival designed to spotlight emerging
storytellers, inspire cultural dialogue, and create a space for authentic expression. More than just a film event, LUMINA reflects ME GOODY’s commitment to pushing forward change through the arts, while fostering a culture of collaboration, diversity, and growth.

At its core, ME GOODY is a creative events company with a heart. With each project, we aim
to build inclusive environments where people feel safe to explore, connect, and create. Our
mission is simple: to provide a space where individuals can nurture their potential and grow
together through the transformative power of creativity. Whether through film, workshops, or immersive gatherings, ME GOODY continues to cultivate experiences rooted in artistic
exploration and mindful community-building.

To learn more about ME GOODY and our upcoming events, visit www.megoody.com, or,
@megoodyth Instagram. 

Meet the Dream Team Behind LUMINA 2025
At the heart of this year’s LUMINA Community Film Festival are the people who’ve poured
their passion into shaping every moment. Spearheading the festival is Cin Ye, festival producer and a driving force within the ME GOODY team, alongside Sony Tsai, the festival director. Together, they embody the festival’s creative spirit and dedication to building platforms for bold, new voices.

Flying in from the U.S. to lend their talents to this collaborative vision are Victor Sun Zheng,
serving as our vibrant community manager, and Justus Demarest, who curated this year’s film program with precision, heart, and an eye for stories that move us. These four community leaders, from across continents and cultures, are working in harmony to bring LUMINA to life — not just as a film festival, but as a living, breathing space for connection. But the brilliance doesn’t stop there. LUMINA is proud to present a diverse and inspiring jury
panel of 10 exceptional individuals, whose experiences span creative industries, cultural fields, and generations. This year’s panel includes:

• Jim Liu
• Pichanun Siwadnidhikl
• Anya Swityanon
• Pallavi Rawal
• Doze Natchanan
• Martijn de Haan
• Gideon Doron
• Ron Smoorenburg
• Danainan Kirdakorn Na Ayudhya
• Joey Wang

From filmmakers and academics to artists and advocates, these panelists reflect the heart of what LUMINA stands for: a celebration of stories told through diverse lenses. With their insights, the festival promises a thoughtful, inclusive, and elevated selection process that honors both craft and community impact.

​The Story Behind LUMINA: Light, Connection, and Co-Existence
During the press gathering, the team behind LUMINA shared the heartfelt journey of how the festival came to life. At its core, LUMINA is more than an event — it's a manifesto of light, a community call to artists and dreamers who believe in the power of expression and the importance of coming together.

The inspiration for LUMINA was born out of ME GOODY’s continued mission to support
those with a passion for the arts, creating an intentional platform for emerging creators and
seasoned industry professionals to not only showcase their work, but  connect, learn, and grow side by side. As shared by the team, “There can only be existence when we co-exist” — a sentiment that echoes through every aspect of the festival.

One of the highlights of the discussion was the unveiling of the LUMINA laurel, a visual
emblem rich with meaning. Rooted in the concept of light, the laurel is a symbol of how we
aspire to shed light on others, be a guiding light, and receive light in return. It represents a
cycle of shared illumination — a space where resources, stories, and energy flow freely among a community of creators.

This motif of light is deeply connected to ME GOODY’s cosmic philosophy — the belief that
positive energy vibrates with other positive energy, and that the universe expands through
these acts of creative generosity.

The LUMINA identity also proudly carries a sense of “Thainess”, a nod to the festival’s roots in Thailand. With its first light shining on Thai crafts, voices, and talent, the festival aims to
bridge local and global worlds — to celebrate what’s uniquely Thai while fostering international artistic exchange. It’s this blend of the universal and the deeply personal that defines the essence of LUMINA.

Thailand’s Soft Power and the Role of Film
Another key moment during the press gathering was the reflection on Thailand’s evolving role on the global stage — particularly through the lens of film as a tool of soft power. Quoting Thailand’s Prime Minister at the World Film Festival in Bangkok (2024):

"Film is one of the important soft powers. The government wants to push this matter further. Thai movies are not inferior to those made anywhere else in the world. Thai movies that have had the opportunity to be shown abroad all make foreigners fascinated with Thainess. Film festivals are very important tools. They bring people in the film industry together to exchange opinions with each other."

This vision resonates deeply with the mission of LUMINA. As a community-based film festival hosted by a Thai-founded creative company, LUMINA positions itself at the forefront of this national movement — offering a grassroots platform that amplifies Thai creativity while fostering dialogue between local and international voices.

From a business and marketing perspective, the festival represents a new wave of Thai
representation. It's a clear declaration that Thailand is not only ready to contribute to global
cinematic conversations but to lead them — with authenticity, cultural richness, and creative excellence.

For ME GOODY, this project is more than just an event. It’s part of a broader mission to use
creativity as a vehicle for positive change, and to build a future where art becomes a shared
language for understanding, empowerment, and community-building — starting right here
in Bangkok.

What to Expect at LUMINA 2025: A Festival for Everyone
The inaugural LUMINA Community Film Festival is officially set to take place from May 15–
17, 2025, hosted at the vibrant ME GOODY Space in Bangkok. From 13:00 to 21:00 each day,
this three-day celebration invites emerging artists, seasoned industry professionals, and curious cinephiles alike to experience film in an atmosphere that is welcoming, inclusive, and deeply community-driven.

Crafted with care by a team of creatives who believe in the transformative power of storytelling, LUMINA is designed to be a festival for everyone — whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, a film lover, or someone simply looking for inspiration and connection.

This year’s festival will feature exciting highlights such as:

🎬 Showcases by Students from VERSO International School
As part of LUMINA’s commitment to youth and education, we’re proud to spotlight young
filmmakers from VERSO International School, whose creativity and vision are already breaking boundaries.

🌏 Tech Tales Youth Program
Another special partner initiative, Tech Tales Youth, will present a series of powerful short
documentaries created by the next generation of storytellers — using technology to amplify their voices and tell timely, impactful stories.

🤝 Maker’s Lounge
For those craving deeper conversation and connection, the Maker’s Lounge is a special festival segment curated by our community leaders. It’s a cozy space for in-depth networking, live discussions, and idea-sharing, bringing together creators, thinkers, and change-makers in the spirit of collaboration.

🏆 The LUMINA Awards Ceremony
And of course, the festival will culminate in our very first LUMINA Awards Ceremony, where
selected films will be recognized by our esteemed panel of judges — celebrating creativity,
courage, and the unique spark that each story brings to the world.

A Global Wave of Stories: Submission Highlights
This year, the response to LUMINA’s open call for films exceeded all our expectations — and we are incredibly grateful to every filmmaker who trusted us with their stories.

We received submissions from 17 countries across the globe, reflecting a truly diverse and
international creative community. The average age of our global submitters was 31,
showcasing a rich blend of emerging voices and seasoned creatives. Notably, the average age of Thai submitters was 24, highlighting the bold, fresh energy of the new generation of Thai storytellers ready to take center stage.

Of all the submissions, 51% came from Southeast Asia, reinforcing the region's growing
significance in the world of independent cinema and affirming LUMINA's role as a key platform for regional and global exchange.

These numbers speak not only to the enthusiasm and talent out there — but also to the growing need for spaces like LUMINA that champion community, connection, and creative courage. We can’t wait to share these stories with you.