Upcoming Thai Film Lady Bee
The upcoming Thai film Lady Bee presents a re-imagining of the 1960s Thai novel ‘The Story of Jan Dara.’ Featuring the talented Engfa Waraha , a popular singer and actress, the film brings to life the mysterious character of Lady Boonleung .
In an enlightening interview at Deadline’s Cannes studio , Waraha, together with Dream Thanika Jenjesda , the film’s co-writer and co-director, expressed enthusiasm for presenting a fresh adaptation viewed through a female perspective for the very first time. This marks a notable shift in the narrative structure of the story, which has been adapted multiple times over the years.
This film holds special significance for Waraha, who stars in her second feature film following the success of Paradise of Thorns. Waraha remarked, “There’s a lot of pressure because Paradise of Thorns was so well-received. This is my second role and I’m under pressure to do my best. I want to challenge myself as an actor and not just a star .”
Waraha’s dedication to the craft is evident; she won the Best Actress award at the 2025 Thailand Box Office Awards for her outstanding performance in the family drama The Paradise of Thorns . This accolade further underscores her commitment to excellence.
In addition to acting, Waraha has also made her mark in the music industry , having appeared in the seventh season of The Voice Thailand. She shared that the late legendary Thai singer Pumpuang serves as her greatest inspiration in music. “It was one of my biggest dreams and whenever I received good opportunities, I did my best to be the best I could,” she explained.
Set to commence principal photography in late 2025 , Lady Bee follows the journey of Lady Boonleung, a woman who exists outside the traditional morality and power structures of her era. Her desire for connection drives the narrative, promising an engaging and poignant tale.
Co-writer and co-director Jenjesda remarked, “My goal is not to be too vogue , vocal , or preachy about it. In Thailand, we’re still a little bit conservative, a little bit suppressed in these having male-dominated leading roles .” This statement highlights the film’s intention to break away from established norms and offer a unique perspective.
Jenjesda also cites renowned directors Sofia Coppola and Wim Wenders among her film influences, indicating the artistic vision she aims to bring forth in this significant project.
Lady Bee will see Rutaiwan Wongsirasawad co-directing alongside Jenjesda, with Julien Favre also contributing as a co-writer. The film is being produced by Pantham Thongsang , reflecting a strong and dedicated creative team.
Looking beyond the local scene, Waraha has ambitions that span international borders . “I want more opportunities at an international level, perhaps taking a role alongside a Hollywood movie star or well-known international stars,” she shared. “I want to challenge my English-speaking abilities .” This aspiration aligns with an era where cross-cultural collaboration is increasingly valued in the film industry.
The film Lady Bee is represented by the Singapore-based sales company Mokster Films, ensuring that it reaches a global audience eager for innovative storytelling and diverse narratives.
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