Arts: Cambodia's biggest cultural event is back - welcome to the 14th International Film Festival

As a partner of the Festival for several years, Cambodge Mag & Thalias invites you to discover the highlights of this 14th festival, which will present films from 41 countries in a selection of 151 films, including 60 Cambodian films, including shorts and features, documentaries and animated films.

14th CIFF poster by Cambodian artist SVAY SARETH - ‘Asura Sunflower’ evokes the personal and collective struggles of the Cambodian people and is a powerful example of how art can function as a form of catharsis, helping individuals and communities to overcome trauma, celebrate their identity and honour their cultural heritage. Through his innovative use of materials and themes, Svay's work highlights the possibility of healing and transformation for individuals and nations.

The 14th Cambodia International Film Festival (CIFF)

As festival director Cédric Eloy announced at the press conference held this morning at the Rosewood Phnom Penh:

From 21 to 29 March, the 14th CIFF will offer more than 150 screenings and events, free of charge, in all the major cinemas and other fabulous venues in Phnom Penh, including the Legend Cinema Olympia and Exchange Square, the Major Cineplex Aeon 1 and Mean Chey, the French Institute, the Bophana Center, the Rosewood Hotel Phnom Penh and the new Fable Cinema.

The red carpet opening gala of the 14th CIFF will take place at the Chaktomuk Theatre on 21 March 2025, and the closing event will take place on 29 March at TBC. Both events are by invitation only.

Special programmes

This year's special programmes will include ‘Stay Alive, My Son’, an immersive virtual reality (VR) experience starring French-Cambodian celebrity Elodie Yung and created by Hollywood technician Victoria Bousis, which will attend the CIFF opening gala and offer for the first time the chance to experience the Khmer Rouge period through a virtual reality experience.

‘Stay Alive, My Son’ is an adaptation of the poignant true story of Pin Yathay, a Cambodian engineer who survived the Khmer Rouge regime

This initiative will give the public a deeply personal perspective on this historic tragedy. The VR experience will be offered free of charge to the general public at the Bophana Centre.

Commemoration

To commemorate the Khmer Rouge seizure of power, CIFF 2025 is organising a series of important films depicting the darkest period in the Kingdom's history. This year's special programme, ‘1975-2025: From Darkness to light in Cambodia's story’, will serve as a reminder of the Khmer Rouge's rise to power in Cambodia, which sadly marked the beginning of one of the darkest chapters in contemporary history.

The voice of women

Women Unbound: Stories from Every Corner

This programme will celebrate the resilience, strength and transformative power of women across cultures and continents. Women have been at the heart of every society, shaping history, culture and progress. From family and community leadership to scientific, political and social innovation, women have contributed to the foundation of civilisations.

Their voices, often ignored, have immense power to foster sustainable development, peace and global solidarity. sustainable development, peace and global solidarity. Recognising the importance of women is essential to creating a balanced and prosperous world for all. CIFF will be hosting Yeonjin Jo's Climacteric Woman in the presence of the director.

Cambodian fiction stories in Cambodia

This programme will feature films made in and about Cambodia, including ‘Tenement’ by Sokyou Chea, Inrasothythep Neth, ‘Spirit House’ by Seng Thy and ‘Tuesday’ by Ty Tepnimol.

« Tenement » by Sokyou Chea

Other Cambodian filmmakers whose short films have been selected for the three Cambodia in Shorts programmes (19 films this year) include Peter Chan, Seakleng Song, Nov Sovannaroth, Phoung Vanneth, Pilot Sok, Rithy Moung, Phat Chanhak, Peter Phan and Lychee.

Cambodia in shorts 3 - Diaspora

Cambodia in shorts 3 - Diaspora presents six films made by filmmakers from the Cambodian diaspora living in the United States, Canada, France and Australia. CIFF will also present short films by newly trained Cambodian filmmakers who have learned the basics of filmmaking through the Cambodia Film Commission's CFC Film Lab Short.

International dramas

Cult Australian comedies will be featured in the special programme ‘Outback laughter: Cinematic Australian Wild’. This series will offer a vibrant journey to the heart of Australia, celebrating adventure, love and faithful companions. From the flamboyant road trip of ‘The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’ to the romance of ‘Top End Wedding’ and the touching bond of ‘Red Dog’, these films capture the humour, heart and wild spirit of the Australian outback like never before.

Stories of the World

This is a collection of international films that have been acclaimed for their unique storytelling and cinematic excellence around the world.

Scary shorts stories

The programme presents a diverse selection of scary shorts from around the world, covering the themes of thriller, mystery and murder, while moving away from the traditional tropes of Asian horror.

It highlights the creativity of international filmmakers in crafting suspenseful stories, inviting audiences to explore a fresh and thrilling perspective on fear, tension and intrigue beyond ghost stories.siques.

Documentaries

Glimpse of Cambodia presents a selection of 10 films, including ‘Loot’ by Don Millar. Filmed over the last few years, ‘Loot’ is an investigation into the crimes committed in the past and the actions taken to restore Cambodia's cultural heritage.

This new documentary takes a bold look behind the scenes of the global art market

The programme will include screenings and round tables on the theme of Cambodian heritage and the restitution of looted objects.

CIFF is also hosting the Cambodian premiere of ‘Vakhim’, one of the films telling the story of one of the many children born in Cambodia, exiled and then returning to Cambodia and their roots.

Adopted in Cambodia at the age of four and taken to Rome, Vakhim, now 18, returns for the first time with his parents to the village where he was born. Their mixture of emotions, doubts, certainties and hopes takes us on an intimate, personal yet universal journey that asks us about the profound meaning of being a family. CIFF will be hosting a screening of Francesca Pirani's film, followed by a question-and-answer session with the director and the protagonists.

In addition, Benjamin Rigley's ‘Mother there's star in me’ presents Medha, an all-female Cambodian percussion group that embodies resilience and empowerment. Featuring their powerful performances and footage of their daily lives, the film offers a glimpse into the lives of these courageous women who pursue their passion in the arts while fighting societal norms and defending women's rights, all the while being single mothers.

Beautiful Planet

Beautiful Planet is a section of CIFF dedicated to environmental education and adaptation to climate change.

“Because understanding biodiversity allows us to appreciate it and to understand that all forms of life are interconnected and must be safeguarded,” said Cédric Eloy, Director of CIFF.

This year, Beautiful Planet is focusing on Waters of Life, a collection of films highlighting the importance of water as a source of life, a crucial food resource and a link with the environment for indigenous communities.

The beautiful film includes ‘Voices from the Mekong’, stories from the Mekong region by OXFAM and ‘Indegineous Voices’. Over 30 community and education films by Cambodian and international filmmakers document contemporary issues and challenges around the world. Themes include wildlife and biodiversity, indigenous issues, Cambodian communities and perspectives from Southeast Asian countries.

Mekong Discovery Days will take place at the CJCC (Angkor-Kizuna Hall) on 24 and 25 March and will include screenings, discussions, photo exhibitions, presentations and a forum with partners such as UNDP, WHO, the Australian Embassy, Conservation International and the Pulitzer Center.

Festival for the family

A special selection of rare and beautiful animated shorts will invite young audiences to explore the themes of friendship, nature, family and childhood, without the need for words - each story is universally understood, whatever the language! including Benoît Chieux's Sirocco et le Royaume de Vents.

The Cambodia International Film Festival is Cambodia's largest international film and cultural event. Launched in 2010, CIFF acts as a catalyst for the film industry, bringing together more than 20,000 participants each year. CIFF also serves as a bridge between Cambodia and the world through the universal language of cinema and culture, encouraging the circulation of films in the region while promoting Cambodian productions internationally.

Organisers and partners

Under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, CIFF is organised by the Bophana Center, the Cambodia Film Commission and the Department of Cinema, in partnership with Legend Cinemas (Exchange Square, Olympia), Major Cineplex (AEON Mall 1, AEON Mall 3), Fable Cinema, Rosewood Hotel, the French Institute, the Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center, STP Gallery and Cine Hub.

Admissions

Admission is FREE, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tickets are available 1 hour before each screening from the CIFF box office on site.

Information

The detailed programme, timetable and information on events and special guests will be published online:

https://cambodiaiff.com/

https://www.facebook.com/cambodiaiff/