INTRODUCTION
Nonzee Nimibutr (นนทรีย์ นิมิบุตร), nicknamed “Aui,” is a Thai film director, producer, and screenwriter who is widely credited as the leader of the Thai New Wave cinema movement. Best known for his atmospheric ghost thriller Nang Nak (1999), he reinvigorated the Thai film industry and paved the way for a new generation of internationally acclaimed Thai filmmakers.
Career
Nonzee graduated from Silpakorn University’s Faculty of Decorative Arts in 1987, where his classmates included Wisit Sasanatieng. He began his career directing television commercials and music videos before making his feature-film debut with Dang Bireley’s and Young Gangsters (1997), which won Best Picture at the Thailand National Film Awards. His second film, Nang Nak (1999), became a massive box-office hit and also won Best Picture. He went on to direct Jan Dara (2001), Queens of Langkasuka (2008), Timeline (2014), Once Upon a Star (2023) for Netflix, and Tee Yai: Born to Be Bad (2025). He is also a prolific producer, having produced Bangkok Dangerous, Tears of the Black Tiger, and Bangrajan.
Birthday
December 18, 1962
Age
63Zodiac Sign
Sagittarius
Nationality
Thai
Birth Name
Nonzee Nimibutr (นนทรีย์ นิมิบุตร)
Source of Fame
Director of Nang Nak (1999) and leader of the Thai New Wave cinema movement
Achievements
• Leader of the Thai New Wave cinema movement
• Nang Nak (1999) – massive box-office hit, Best Picture at Thailand National Film Awards
• Dang Bireley’s and Young Gangsters (1997) – Best Picture at Thailand National Film Awards
• Best Film Director at Komchadluek Awards 2024 (Once Upon a Star)
• Silpathorn Award from Thailand’s Ministry of Culture (2008)
• Produced Bangkok Dangerous, Tears of the Black Tiger, and Bangrajan
• Co-founded production company Cinemasia
• Directed Once Upon a Star (2023) and Tee Yai: Born to Be Bad (2025) for Netflix
• Relative of Lt. Gen. Phachoen Nimitbutr, founder of Thailand’s first TV station
• Graduate of Silpakorn University (Faculty of Decorative Arts)
Physical Stats
Height: N/A
Weight: N/A
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Dark Brown
Body Type: Average
CLOSE WITH (ASSOCIATED)
Nonzee is closely associated with fellow Thai New Wave filmmakers Pen-Ek Ratanaruang, Wisit Sasanatieng, and Apichatpong Weerasethakul. Wisit Sasanatieng was his classmate at Silpakorn University and wrote the screenplays for both Dang Bireley’s and Nang Nak. He co-founded Cinemasia with producer Duangkamol Limcharoen. He produced films by the Pang Brothers (Bangkok Dangerous) and Thanit Jitnukul (Bangrajan).
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