‘How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies’ Debuts in China and U.S.

Distributors in major territories including North America, China, the U.K., and South Korea have announced theatrical release plans for the hit Thai comedy film “How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies.”

The film is Thailand’s highest-grossing movie this year and has already been released in parts of Southeast Asia such as Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Myanmar, Australia, and New Zealand. In these regions, it has achieved the status of the highest-grossing Thai film of all time.

In China, Teamer Media acquired the rights to the film and has set an official release date for August 23. Previews have already brought in $380,000, according to data from Ent Group.

In North America, Well Go USA has picked up the distribution rights and is planning a release on September 13. “’How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies’ is an incredibly touching, universal story that transcends cultural and generational differences. The film poignantly captures both the beauty and complexities inherent in familial relationships and serves as an evocative reminder to cherish those around us while we still have time,” said Doris Pfardrescher, President, and CEO of Well Go USA.

Directed by Pat Boonnitipat, the film stars popular Thai artist Putthipong Assaratanakul (also known as Billkin) who plays a slacker quitting his job to become his grandmother’s caregiver. The film also marks the debut of 78-year-old actor Usha Seamkhum. Produced by GDH 559, the studio was also behind the 2017 breakout hit “Bad Genius.”

Singapore-based Mokster Films is handling the film’s rights sales, and it has been licensed to NK Contents for an October release in South Korea. Furthermore, Vedette Film has acquired the rights for an October 10 release in the Netherlands and a November 13 release in Belgium. Vertigo Releasing will handle the December release in the U.K. and Ireland. India’s PVR has also acquired the film, though a release date is still pending.

“It’s very heartening to see distributors eager to bring the film to their audiences, even though Southeast Asian films haven’t been commercially proven in some of these territories. Clearly, the story has touched them deeply,” said Nelson Mok, the film’s sales agent at Mokster Films.

“Never before has a Thai box office hit, outside of international film festivals, been released in the Benelux. But now, for the first time, we’re excited to introduce Dutch and Belgian audiences to this unique and emotional film,” said Babette Wijntjes, co-founder of Vedette Film.

Source: Variety