Acclaimed filmmaker Apichatpong Weerasethakul is moving forward with his next feature, "Jengira's Magnificent Dream," and Mexican production powerhouse Piano has officially boarded the international project. Producer Julio Chavezmontes confirmed the development, marking another collaboration between the Mexican outfit and the celebrated Thai director following their successful venture on the award-winning 2021 drama "Memoria."
Cast and Story Details for Jengira's Magnificent Dream
Oscar winner Tilda Swinton is attached to the production, continuing her creative relationship with Weerasethakul after leading "Memoria." The ensemble also brings back key performers from the director's cinematic history alongside fresh faces. Thai actors Jenjira Pongpas, known for "Cemetery of Splendor," and Sakda Kaewbuadee, who starred in "Tropical Malady," will appear in the film alongside Canadian performer Connor Jessup of "Falling Skies."
Selected Filmography Produced or Co-Produced by Piano
| Year | Title | Director | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | The Meltdown | Manuela Martelli | Co-producer |
| 2025 | November | Tomás Corredor | Producer |
| 2025 | Our Land | Lucrecia Martel | Producer |
| 2025 | Disappearance | Kirill Serebrennikov | Co-producer |
| 2024 | The Jockey | Luis Ortega | Co-producer |
| 2022 | Triangle of Sadness | Ruben Östlund | Co-producer |
| 2021 | Memory | Apichatpong Weerasethakul | Producer |
| 2021 | Annette | Leos Carax | Co-producer |
| 2020 | Siberia | Abel Ferrara | Producer |
| 2018 | Time Share | Sebastián Hofmann | Producer / Screenwriter |
| 2012 | Halley | Sebastián Hofmann | Producer / Screenwriter |
The storyline centers on a Thai widow named Jengira, who embarks on a personal journey to the historic rock forest of Sigiriya, located in central Sri Lanka, to scatter the ashes of her late husband. During her travels, distorted visions begin to warp her perception of reality, drawing her through varied historical eras. Through an interplay of empathy and scientific curiosity, Jengira transforms into a threshold bridging the future, the past, and the spirit realm.
Aesthetically, the project incorporates visual elements inspired by 1970s science fiction while presenting an otherwise timeless setting where mobile phones serve as the sole indicators of chronological progression. The narrative aims to dismantle standard demarcations separating historical reality, supernatural occurrences, and personal memory.
Piano's Expanding Global Roster and Anniversary Milestone
For Piano, joining the production coincides with the company's 15th anniversary. The Mexican producer-distributor previously gained widespread international acclaim as a co-producer on Ruben Östlund’s satirical dark comedy "Triangle of Sadness," which claimed the Cannes Palme d'Or and earned multiple Academy Award nominations.
Speaking on the company's trajectory, Chavezmontes noted that Piano prioritizes singular creative visions rather than standard industry molds. He explained that if an idea presents incredible potential, structural format becomes secondary, adding that the company avoids cynical calculation in favor of authentic belief in cinema. Chavezmontes founded Piano to make his own features, beginning with writing the Sebastián Hofmann-directed "Halley," before expanding into international distribution and festival partnerships.
Piano's relationship with Östlund was cemented after Chavezmontes earned the screenwriting prize at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival for "Time Share" ("Tiempo Compartido") while Östlund led the jury. Following that recognition and Piano's domestic distribution of Östlund’s "The Square," the outfit joined "Triangle of Sadness" as co-producer alongside Erik Hemmendorff and Philippe Bober.
Active Festival Slate and Advocacy for Audiovisual Policy
The company is currently maintaining a heavy presence on the international festival circuit. At the Morelia Film Festival, Piano is presenting Manuela Martelli’s Cannes Un Certain Regard title "The Meltdown" ("El Deshielo"), which serves as Chile's official submission for the Academy Awards, alongside five titles on its Mexican distribution slate: the documentary "American Doctor," "Mickey," "The Lost Mariachis," "Shana," and "Beauty Salon." Additionally, Piano is bringing the project "The Absence" by Jorge Sistos Moreno to the Proyecta Co-Production Forum at Ventana Sur.
Beyond production, Chavezmontes highlighted the necessity for expanded domestic film infrastructure. While acknowledging Mexico's 30% tax incentive for local and foreign productions alongside regional initiatives in Jalisco and Morelos, he urged the establishment of a comprehensive national framework similar to programs in Spain, Brazil, and Colombia, framing audiovisual production as an economic and industrial catalyst.
"Jengira's Magnificent Dream" adds to Piano's slate of auteur-driven international co-productions, with production plans uniting creative talent across borders as the project continues its development.
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Source: Variety
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