The objective of the World Film Festival of Bangkok is to introduce quality, non-mainstream films from all over the world. It aims to become a showcase for various films and new works, from rising talents to cinema masters, and to show the continuum from generation to generation as a vital component in the development of the film industry.

More than 80 international films are screened at the festival each year, featuring works from Europe, Latin America, and Asia, especially Southeast Asia, including short films, experimental films, documentaries, and animated productions, which are considered a new focus of the industry.

Nation Group, a media company based in Thailand, organized the first Bangkok Film Festival in the country in 1998. Various international films were screened to promote cinematic art and film appreciation in Thailand.

Since 2003, the World Film Festival of Bangkok has been held annually in October, with Mr. Kriengsak Victor Silakong as the festival director. After the 2017 edition, the festival was on hiatus for 5 years. The festival returned in 2022 for its 15th edition, with film producer and festival programmer Donsaron Kovitvanitcha appointed as the new festival director.