Celebrating two decades in the film industry, acclaimed Thai director Chookiat “Matthew” Sakveerakul returns with his most ambitious project to date, the sci-fi epic, Taklee Genesis x Worlds Collide. The film promises to push the boundaries of cinematic storytelling and challenge the audience’s perception of reality.
Reflecting on his inspiration for the film, Sakveerakul asks, “Is our existence — our time, our daily life — real? Are we simply biological beings, or could we be reflections of something else entirely?” These thoughts, which have captivated him for years, finally find their expression in this groundbreaking movie.
Over his career, Sakveerakul has made numerous films that have become milestones in Thai cinema. His 2007 romantic drama The Love of Siam was a landmark film, sweeping all major local film awards that year. Now, with Taklee Genesis x Worlds Collide, he takes a daring leap into the realm of science fiction. “I’ve always loved sci-fi,” he explains. “The mysteries of the universe, space, and different dimensions fascinate me just as much as ghost stories.”
Sakveerakul reveals that his new film draws inspiration from real-world speculations. “In the film, ‘Taklee Genesis’ is an American experiment during the Vietnam War. The name comes from the Taklee district, which was home to the largest U.S. base in Southeast Asia. For such a large base, there must have been something more going on. People have speculated about secrets at Taklee — even extraterrestrials living there. Just look it up on YouTube!” he jokes.
The film stars Paula Taylor, Peter Corp Dyrendal, and War Wanarat, with Sakveerakul choosing each actor carefully to bring his vision to life. “I’ve worked with Paula and Peter before. Paula has an incredible cinematic presence and was once the face of romantic comedies in Thailand. She’s naturally empathetic on screen. As for Peter, he dove deep into the script, correcting me on details and offering insights. He’s as much of a geek as I am!” he shares with a laugh.
For Sakveerakul, Taklee Genesis x Worlds Collide represents more than just another movie — it’s a chance to expand the scope of Thai cinema. “This is a project I might never have the chance to work on again. It wasn’t easy, but it’s a milestone for Thai films. Who else would be bold enough to back something like this? I hope this film opens doors for even more ambitious projects in the future and inspires others who love sci-fi to push their creative boundaries.”
Prepare for an interstellar adventure as Taklee Genesis x Worlds Collide hits theaters on September 18. Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures in the Philippines, a Warner Bros. Discovery company, the film is set to captivate audiences everywhere.
Join the conversation with the hashtag #TakleeGenesis.
Photo & Video Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Rome is a freelance writer and photographer. He brings a fresh perspective to the indie music scene and highlights emerging artists and underground movements. His writing style is drawn from personal experiences and a deep love for the art form.