14th Cambodia International Film Festival: Cédric Eloy, ‘Let's celebrate together the magic of cinema, the power of storytelling and the vibrant spirit of Cambodia’.

In keeping with tradition, the opening gala of the 14th Cambodia International Film Festival took place on Friday evening at the Chaktomouk Theatre in Phnom Penh, in the presence of numerous personalities from the world of cinema, including actors, directors, producers and lovers of the 7th art.

14th Cambodia International Film Festival

A dynamic platform

In his opening address to the Festival, director Cédric Eloy said: ‘The Cambodia International Film Festival is a dynamic platform that connects Cambodia and its diaspora and fosters exchange and dialogue. The festival offers a special retrospective programme on the Khmer Rouge, with 15 films and events designed to help younger generations understand their past. The festival also features an immersive virtual reality experience entitled STAY ALIVE, MY SON, which tells the story of Pin Yathay, a survivor of the Khmer Rouge regime.’

‘The festival's special themes, Stories from Women of the World and Waters of Life, underline the importance of creation and survival. Women and water both give birth to life, sustaining and shaping the world around us.’

‘The festival welcomes films such as VILLAGE KEEPERS and CLIMACTERIC WOMAN, which celebrate the resilience, creativity and courage of the women in our lives.

BEAUTIFUL PLANET, a dedicated section of CIFF, focuses on environmental education, indigenous communities and climate change adaptation with over 30 films.’

Festival director Cédric Eloy

An evolving institution

‘The fourth MEKONG DISCOVERY DAYS, to be held at the CJCC on 24 and 25 March, is supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and involves major institutions and NGOs. The festival will be premiering LOOT in partnership with the Canadian Embassy, a hard-hitting documentary that sheds light on the theft of Cambodian artefacts. The festival is more than just an annual event; it is an evolving institution with great ambition. It aims to serve the creative industries, support Cambodian filmmakers and ensure that high-quality Cambodian films travel the world to be screened at other festivals. The festival plans to travel to areas such as Siem Reap, Battambang and Kep West in May 2025, as Cambodia's greatest treasures are also its culture and natural beauty.’

Among the festival guests

‘To achieve these goals, the festival is counting on your support. The Cambodia International Film Festival is a labour of love, driven by passion but also dependent on collaboration. We invite partners, sponsors and film lovers to join us in developing this festival, strengthening the arts and ensuring that Cambodian cinema continues to thrive. Let us celebrate together the magic of cinema, the power of storytelling and the vibrant spirit of Cambodia.’

More photographs here

Festival Programme