Thailand’s Handmade Distribution is making its debut at Filmart with a slate of independent films led by Heaven Or Hell and The Last Executioner.

Inspired by actual events, Heaven Or Hell features hip hop artist Nay Myo “Day” Thant as a gang leader in Pattaya, a city known for its sex, drugs and gambling.

Set to start shooting in June, the film’s due out in 2015. Director Alongod Uabhaibool has worked with the star before on his rap group Thaitanium’s music videos.

Starring Vithaya Pansringarm (Only God Forgives), The Last Executioner is directed by Thai-British filmmaker Tom Waller (Sop-mai-ngeap as director and Ong Bak as producer).

Inspired by true events, the film’s about a former rock n’ roller who takes up the job of Thailand’s last gun executioner. Currently in post-production, the film is set for June release.

“We’re not going to say we are arthouse. Our films are a little more commercial, but with an angle. We are quite new here, so just try to do what we believe in,” said Watson Homsangpradit, Handmade marketing consultant.

Locally, Handmade plans to release four to five local films and six to seven international films a year. Since September 2013, it has released films including The Butler, Charlie Countryman and The Monkey King 3D, which topped the box office and took $7m.