The Burning Giants (2026): Cast, Story and Release Details

Prepared by Movies Dock Editorial

The Burning Giants is a Thai drama centered on a Karen environmental and Indigenous rights activist who faces deadly consequences after protesting the forced eviction of his village from a protected forest. Directed and written by Phuttiphong Aroonpheng, the film runs for 114 minutes.

The Burning Giants is a 2026 drama from Thailand, directed and written by Phuttiphong Aroonpheng. Its story focuses on a Karen activist whose opposition to the forced removal of his village brings him into conflict with authorities protecting a forested area.

The film addresses environmental protection and Indigenous rights through a sharply defined central conflict. With a 1-hour-54-minute runtime and production involvement from five companies across several countries, it presents a substantial dramatic treatment of displacement and protest.

The Burning Giants movie details

Story without spoilers

The story follows an environmental and Indigenous rights activist from the Karen community. After his village is threatened with forced eviction from a protected forest, he protests the decision. His activism leads to deadly consequences, placing the human cost of displacement at the center of the film’s narrative.

What to expect

Viewers can expect a serious drama built around environmental conflict, Indigenous rights and the forced removal of a community. The supplied premise points to a politically charged story with a tragic central situation, while the 114-minute runtime allows the film room to develop its subject without relying on a brief format. Further details about its structure, tone and visual approach are not provided.

Cast and creative team

Phuttiphong Aroonpheng serves as both director and writer. The cast includes Awat Ratanapintha, Pakapol Srirongmuang, Waywiree Ittianunkul and Tanatwut Rodpai. The supplied cast information does not specify their character names.

• Awat Ratanapintha
• Pakapol Srirongmuang
• Waywiree Ittianunkul
• Tanatwut Rodpai

Release and production context

The Burning Giants is listed as a 2026 release, with a release date of September 7, 2026. It is classified as a drama and has a runtime of 1 hour and 54 minutes. The film is associated with Thailand, the Netherlands, France, Singapore and Taiwan, and its spoken language is Thai. Production companies include 13 Little Pictures, Diversion, Nord-Ouest Films, Sluizer Films and Hubert Bals Fund. Its status is listed as Released.

Production companies: 13 Little Pictures, Diversion, Nord-Ouest Films, Sluizer Films, Hubert Bals Fund

Movies Dock view

The Burning Giants is defined by its focus on a Karen activist challenging the forced eviction of his village from protected forestland. Its subject matter places environmental protection, Indigenous rights and the consequences of protest at the heart of the film, with Phuttiphong Aroonpheng guiding both its writing and direction.

Film data:
TMDB · IMDb