Get Ready for Unmissable Program Highlights!

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 July 2025 - In an era where creativity is the driving force behind economic and social development, the presence of a regional creative festival in Isan — the Northeast region of Thailand — is more essential than ever. It goes beyond art, culture, and innovation; it serves as a vital platform that inspires Isan natives who have moved to larger cities to return home, applying their potential, knowledge, and experience to uplift their hometowns. Isan Creative Festival 2025 (ISANCF2025) — now in its fifth year — is organized by the Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization), or CEA. The festival opens its doors to those ready to reshape Isan, offering a space for idea exchange, thought-provoking dialogue, and real-world implementation of bold projects across art, music, film, design, technology, crafts, food, community, and business. This year's theme, "ISAN SOUL PROUD," celebrates the region's cultural identity and will run for nine days, from 28 June to 6 July 2025 in Khon Kaen. The festival embodies the spirit of local pride and supports sustainable urban development by unlocking the full potential of the people of Isan. Why Must the Isan Festival Be Creative?: Igniting Nationwide Inspiration ISANCF2025 is not just a showcase of creativity — it's a launchpad for creative business opportunities and a thriving ecosystem of innovation. It encourages Isan natives and creatives across Thailand to return, reimagine, and revitalize their hometowns. It also aims to redefine perceptions of Isan by showcasing pride in the region's identity — not as a place in need, but rather a creative stage of the future, rich with potential and poised to become a vibrant hub of economic opportunity, culture, and creativity. This year's festival highlights the richness of the Isan region across its natural resources, way of life, culinary heritage, and traditional culture. These unique identities are being reimagined and communicated in new ways, giving rise to "creative businesses" that generate local income and inspire a new generation to return home and redefine Isan's image. Three Creative Industries × Must-See Programs in ISANCF2025 The festival spotlights three key creative industries: Food, Entertainment & Content, and Craft, Art & Design, with curated programs that turn culture into opportunity. 1) Food Industry: From 'Larb, Koi, and Pla Ra' to a Bold Culinary Economy Isan food is more than just flavor — it is a heritage and wisdom passed down through generations. This year's festival invites everyone to experience:

• Larb Koi Universe: An exhibition showcasing two iconic Isan dishes, Larb' and 'Koi,' as cultural DNA reflecting the essence of Isan people. It also explores fusion food trends, branding opportunities, and new food cultures.
• NEXT STATION 'Pla Ra': An interactive talk exploring 'Pla Ra' (traditional Thai fermented fish) not merely as food, but as a cultural symbol and economic asset. The session will pave the way for the establishment of a 'Pla Ra Institute' and showcase dishes that highlight Isan's soft power.
• Creative Wisdom Talk: A thought-leadership seminar designed to empower creative entrepreneurs with business insights. This activity equips creative entrepreneurs with strategies for success, featuring topics like "Michelin-Starred Business for Isan Cuisine" by Nay-Witchupol Charoensupaya from NAWA (a 1-Michelin Star restaurant) and "Customer-Centric Mindset" by Jo-Thana Thienachariya, Dean of H.O.W., among others

2) Entertainment & Content Industry: The Energetic and Joyful Stage The sounds of the khaen, morlam, and local music will revive traditional Isan music with fresh vigor to empower regional music creators:

• ISAN Music Talent: A vibrant intergenerational stage that brings together both seasoned and up-and-coming Isan musicians. This platform offers opportunities for emerging artists to showcase their talent and connect with broader audiences throughout the festival.
• Local Voice Panel (Hosted by Thai PBS): An authentic platform that reflects the voices of the local communities, this panel delves into the future of local music businesses and community-based music commerce. It will also explore the evolving landscape of homegrown music distribution and the sustainable growth of Isan's musical ecosystem.
• ISAN Cinema House: A creative initiative transforms communities into "film knowledge incubation centers," to support the work of Isan filmmakers and directors through the "Doc Club & Pub" Isan model. It focuses on building a film community and nurturing the film industry in Isan.
• Content Lab 2025: Newcomers: A career-oriented session featuring insights from Thai Film and Series industry invites filmmakers and those interested in behind-the-scenes work to exchange perspectives on the industry, such as Pimpaka...