Fish Sleep with Eyes Open (short film)

We have a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign to reach our Eur 4000 goal, until June 20, 2026.

We are at 75%. Please do a donation on Kickstarter or a direct bank transfer to:

Document Our History Now
Triodosbank (Netherlands)
IBAN: NL 81 Trio 0784 6870 64
BIC/SWIFT code: TRIONL2U

Synopsis: short film Fish Sleep with Eyes Open (about 20-25 min)
Tiwson is a young man whose sense of reality begins to fracture in ways he cannot fully understand. What follows is a series of unpredictable years, where those around him, and the audience, are never quite sure which version of him they will encounter. One day, he is magnetic: flamboyant, charming, and full of life. Next, he is withdrawn, paranoid, and overwhelmed by the mental health struggles that distort how he sees himself and the world. Handsome, queer, and well-known within his social scene, Tiwson appears to have everything: attention, admiration, and presence. Yet beneath the surface, he is navigating profound emotional instability and isolation. Very few people truly see the depth of what he is going through.
The film sheds light on the often-unspoken reality that depression and mental health challenges disproportionately affect LGBTQ+ communities, emphasizing the urgency of awareness, empathy, and support. Set and produced in Thailand, and told in the Thai language, this film offers an intimate and culturally grounded portrait of identity.

Our motivation for this film
The team behind Fish Sleep with Eyes Open is committed to telling a story that is often invisible. Mental health struggles are real, yet rarely spoken about, especially within Thai society and the queer community. This film aims to break that silence.

Depression in the LGBTQ+ community is not a niche issue; it’s a global crisis. LGBTQ+ people are 2–3 times more likely to experience depression and anxiety. More than 50% of LGBTQ+ youth report symptoms of depression, and nearly 40% have seriously considered suicide. In Thailand, over half of LGBTQ+ individuals have thought about suicide, and around 1 in 6 have attempted it. These numbers are not about identity; they reflect stigma, rejection, and lack of support. This film is about making the invisible visible, and creating space for understanding and change.

Timeline 
Crowdfunding via Kickstarter April -June 2026
Pre-production July-August 2026
Production September 2026
Post production October- December 2026
Distribution early 2027

Production team

Director & Writer – Tharnthup Dechkamhaeng (19) An emerging talent, Tharnthup won First Runner-Up at the Thailand Short Film Festival (2023). His work, including Society Beneath the Moon, reflects a distinct visual style and a strong focus on character-driven storytelling.

Director of Photography – Sahas P. Sirirotemarnka (23) Sahas leads the cinematography team, bringing experience from projects such as Mama, I Am Coming Home, and a range of other productions.

Gaffer – Intouch Treechatchavanwong (23) A driven crew member, Intouch has worked across multiple roles on major productions, including Jurassic Park, Aliens, and numerous commercial shoots.

Stills – Zai Mik (21) All film stills and publicity visuals will be created by Zai Mik, a full-time creative photographer.

Lead Actor – Phuriwat Traisuwan (23) Phuriwat is a rising Thai actor known for his work in independent cinema, recognized for his naturalistic performances and emotionally layered, character-driven roles.

Producers

JTKT Productions, Thailand, Kars Tuinder
Bangkok-based production company JTKT Productions delivers world-class visual storytelling, creating high-quality music videos, documentaries, commercials, and short films, combining international standards with the creativity and efficiency of Thailand’s film industry. We specialize in supporting international productions. With strong on-the-ground expertise in Thailand, JTKT ensures smooth, cost-effective productions without compromising on quality. 2026 Highlights: Multiple productions in development and production partner on an upcoming UK feature film.

Document Our History Now (DOHN), the Netherlands, Robert Witlox
DOHN is a Dutch NGO based in Amsterdam, dedicated to amplifying LGBTQ+ voices across Southeast Asia through film, photography, and journalism. Since its founding in 2013, the organization has supported a wide range of visual storytelling projects, empowering local creators to tell authentic, deeply personal stories from within their own communities. With a strong focus on social impact, the foundation not only funds productions but also creates platforms for these stories to reach international audiences through exhibitions, screenings, and collaborations. As a partner, Document Our History Now brings credibility, purpose, and a meaningful social dimension to each project, supporting films that aim not only to tell stories, but to make them matter.
www.documentourhistorynow.org