As a seasoned cinephile who has traversed the globe to uncover the hidden gems of international cinema, I must say that “How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies” has left an indelible mark on my heart and cinematic journey. This Thai debut feature film, which has been a runaway success in Asia yet relatively unknown in the U.S. and Europe, showcases a captivating storytelling that transcends cultural boundaries and resonates deeply with audiences worldwide.
Among the most surprising contenders for the Oscars’ international category is the Thai first feature film, “How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies,” which has generated significant revenue throughout Asia yet has flown largely under the radar in the United States and Europe until now.
Under the guidance of director Pat Boonnitipat, the unique Thai movie titled “How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies” is now on the shortlist, marking a significant milestone for Thailand as it’s the first time one of their entries has made this list. Despite submitting films in this category since 1984, this is the first instance where they have been selected.
The movie revolves around Billkin (Putthipong “Billkin” Assaratanakul), who abandoned his ambition to be a game caster and took up caring for his terminally ill grandmother, Usha Seamkhum, in the belief of claiming her multimillion-dollar estate. However, winning over Grandma is no simple task, as she is demanding and hard to please. To add to the complexity, Billkin isn’t the only one pursuing the inheritance, creating a fierce competition among them. In order to win Grandma’s affection before time expires, he must go to extreme lengths.
The movie titled “How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies” initially gained popularity in Thailand and later spread throughout Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region. In several nations such as Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam, and even Australia, it set new records for highest-grossing Thai films.
As reported by the film’s production company, GDH 559, the movie “How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies” has earned a staggering 2000 million Thai Baht, equivalent to $58 million, at international box offices. In the U.S., where it debuted at the New York Asian Film Festival in July, it has been handled by Well Go USA Entertainment and is said to have made approximately $303,772, as per Box Office Mojo’s estimates.
However, despite not being a blockbuster or receiving recognition at a significant film festival, the movie (screened at Busan as well) managed to reach Academy voters thanks to a deliberate promotional effort led by Shelter PR and U.S. distributor Well Go USA.
Regarding the film’s progress in the Oscars competition, Yanisa Hankansujarit, GDH 559’s business development associate director, shares with EbMaster that the movie might have resonated with voters because of its relatable themes, such as love and family ties.
During a film screening at a Los Angeles university, a student expressed surprise over feeling so deeply connected to a movie, despite not understanding its language, and being set in a place she has never visited.
According to Hankansujarit, our strategy was to ensure the members got a chance to view it by organizing numerous exclusive showings and bringing it directly to them. The aim was also to spark conversations about it online. This movie is unique; although it didn’t receive much attention from film festivals, it has become quite popular due to its status as an audience favorite, and the buzz around town has grown through word-of-mouth recommendations.
One way to rephrase the sentence while maintaining its original meaning could be: “The strong bond with voters was forged by Seamkhum, who portrayed the grandmother, during Los Angeles Q&A sessions. As Hankansujarit puts it, ‘When Grandma traveled to LA for some Q&As and meetings, she’s the charm. She enters a room, and people simply brighten up.’
The producer suggests that the selection of “How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies” might imply a connection between Western voters and the familial dynamics depicted in the movie, despite differences. After the COVID-19 pandemic, Hankansujarit explains, families have grown closer, with his U.S.-based family reporting increased visits from their children following the film’s viewing.
In Asia, the film swiftly transformed into a cultural sensation, drawing families from various generations to watch it side by side. As Hankansujarit stated, “This trend became particularly noticeable after COVID, when many had stopped visiting cinemas. However, in Southeast Asia, this movie managed to reunite people at the cinema.
According to Hankansujarit, our movie had a fantastic debut in Thailand during its initial week. Following this, we moved on to Indonesia, where the local population has a strong affection for cinema. When they truly enjoy a film, Indonesians become incredibly passionate about sharing their sentiments on social media. A trend soon emerged where viewers shared videos of themselves crying after watching the movie. This emotional response took the internet by storm, particularly on TikTok and Instagram. Hankansujarit further mentioned that to expand our reach, the film is now accessible on Apple TV.
“Before Grandma Leaves Us: A Story Based on Real-Life Experiences” was penned by Thodsapon Thiptinnakorn and Boonnitipat, using their personal stories as well as those of loved ones for inspiration. Upon reading the initial draft, I couldn’t help but think about my own family, and during the writing phase, my primary aim was to preserve that sense of familiarity so we’re working towards something that feels like your story, not just mine,” Boonnitipat explains to EbMaster.
Initially, the storyline focused on comedy related to inheritance, but as it developed, it delved into a more profound examination of family ties. Boonnitipat explains, “The initial script was a comedy, hence the title. However, through numerous revisions, it transformed into what you witnessed.” Boonnitipat believes that his personal experiences with people he knows helped him create authentic characters for the story.
Although several promising Asian films, such as India’s “Last Film Show” by Pan Nalin, Korea’s “Burning” by Lee Chang-dong and “Decision to Leave” by Park Chan-wook, Bhutan’s “The Monk and the Gun” by Pawo Choyning Dorji, didn’t make it to the nominations list, some have achieved Oscar success. For instance, “Drive My Car,” directed by Hamaguchi Ryusuke, took home the award for best international feature film, while Bong Joon-ho’s “Parasite” won an unprecedented four Oscars, including those for best picture, international feature, director, and original screenplay.
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2024-12-20 19:18