Chanel Showcases Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s Immersive Exploration of Memory and Light
Through an exhibition titled ‘A Conversation with the Sun.’
Bangkok, Thailand continues to be a region of focus for Chanel, particularly in the realm of experiential events. Following its well-received Summer Tour experience, the luxury fashion house has returned with an immersive art installation. The brand has partnered with celebrated Thai filmmaker Apichatpong Weerasethakul to present A Conversation with the Sun (VR) at the 7th Bangkok Experimental Film Festival (BEFF7). The event, held on January 24 at One Bangkok Forum, marked the Bangkok debut of the filmmaker’s first augmented and virtual reality performance.
Blurring the lines between reality and dreams, Apichatpong’s immersive experience explores themes of light, memory and existential cycles. The installation is further enriched by the late Ryuichi Sakamoto’s evocative soundscapes and the digital artistry of Katsuya Taniguchi, who brings an interplay of shadow, movement and virtual landscapes to life. Previously showcased at the Thailand Biennale in Chiang Rai, the Bangkok presentation reinforces Chanel’s dedication to contemporary art and cultural discourse.
To celebrate the exhibition, Chanel hosted an exclusive event at Bangkok Kunsthalle, bringing together its ambassadors, including Tilda Swinton and Thai actress Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying, alongside Apichatpong’s collaborators. The gathering honored his contributions to experimental cinema and the creative community shaping Thai and global film culture.
The celebration continued on January 25 with An Encounter: The Last Thing You Saw That Felt Like a Movie, a two-part event featuring a live performance by Swinton and an in-depth conversation between the actress and Apichatpong, moderated by Kong Rithdee.
Chanel’s support of BEFF7 underscores its ongoing commitment to expanded cinema, fostering artistic innovation and championing filmmakers who push the boundaries of storytelling.
