Bad Genius

The second film by Nattawut Poonpiriya (Countdown, NYAFF 2013) places the heist thriller in a high school milieu for a nerve-racking joyride that plays on Thailand’s Confucian-like obsession with academic achievement. Brainiac Lynn (Chutimon Cheungcharoensukying) negotiates a full scholarship to an elite high school that will guarantee her future. On her very first day she is befriended by the pretty and popular Grace (Eisaya Hosuwan), who just can’t keep up academically. During a crucial examination, Lynn surreptitiously passes Grace the multiple-choice answers. She begins using ever more elaborate cheating methods to help out other rich-kid students, until she is ratted out by fellow genius Bank (Chanon Santinatornkul). Having lost her chance at a scholarship, she recruits a small team, including Bank, who boasts a photographic memory, to undermine the U.S. university entrance examinations, and to make them all baht millionaires. International Premiere. Q&A with Nattawut “Baz” Poonpiriya and Chanon Santinatornkul & Chutimon “Aokbab” Chuengcharoensukying, who will receive the NYAFF 2017 Screen International Rising Star Award. All ticket holders invited to our Opening Night Party!