Phnom Penh & Cinema: Cambodia International Film Festival, "Together, embark on a cinematic journey to enlighten, inspire and unite"

The Kingdom's biggest international film and cultural event, the Cambodia International Film Festival (CIFF) returns this year with its 13th edition for an unprecedented cinematic journey.

Press conference on Wednesday 19 June. Photo supplied

A real opportunity for newcomers and established artists alike, this Festival is driven by the desire of the general public to come together, share and exchange ideas around screenings of Cambodian and international films.

Vision of the Cambodia International Film Festival

In an era of transformation where cinema transcends entertainment, CIFF highlights the art form as a powerful catalyst for positive change, education and civic engagement to create a better future.

With the aim of celebrating and encouraging the talents of Cambodian artists and the film industry as a whole, the Festival is committed to bridging divides, enriching cultural dialogues and building a more understanding and cohesive society.

On Wednesday 19 June, the Rosewood Hotel in Phnom Penh hosted the event's press conference in the presence of Sin Setsochhata, Mr Cheap Sovichea, Director of the Cambodia Film Commission (CFC), His Excellency Ek Buntha, Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, Mr Cedric Eloy, Director of CIFF and Mr Chea Sopheap, Director of the Bophana Center. The conference was also attended by members of the media from a variety of backgrounds.

13th edition of CIFF: an eagerly awaited and supported film event

Today, CIFF has seen its impact and popularity grow steadily, becoming the Kingdom's most eagerly awaited international festival and cultural event, acting as a bridge between Cambodia and the rest of the world. This year, in 2024, the 13th Festival will present films from 41 countries in a rich and diverse selection of 153 films, including 48 Cambodian films, featuring short and feature films, documentaries and animations.

From 25 to 30 June, CIFF will be offering more than 120 FREE screenings and events in all the major cinemas and other emblematic venues in Phnom Penh. The red carpet for the opening gala will take place at the Chaktomuk Theatre on 25 June, while the closing event will be held at the Legend Olympia on 30 June. Both ceremonies are by invitation only.

This 13th edition has been made possible thanks to the Royal Government of Cambodia, in particular the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, which has worked tirelessly to restore security and space for the arts.

In addition, this year's official partners are the United Nations in Cambodia, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Food Programme (WFP), the Indian Embassy and the Australian Embassy in Cambodia. Australian Chargé d'Affaires Pablo Kang said:

"We are delighted to sponsor the Cambodia International Film Festival. This sponsorship underlines our commitment to encouraging cultural exchange and supporting the arts, reflecting our core values of fostering links between Australia and Cambodia and recognising excellence."

CIFF is also very honoured to announce the support of Lok Chumteav Dr Chea Serey, Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia, as "Honorary President"

As Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia and an advocate for the arts, Lok Chumteav Dr Chea Serey is keen to raise awareness of the importance of a strong film sector for the sustainable development of Cambodia.

"As an artist, I am honoured to have been invited to become honorary patron of the Cambodia International Film Festival. Cambodian cinema is booming, with internationally recognised creativity that deserves everyone's support and encouragement to become a flourishing industry that contributes fully to economic growth," she said.

As "Honorary President of CIFF", she is committed to supporting :

- CIFF as a national and international platform for the promotion of Cambodian cinema, creative industries and talent.

- The creative industries and in particular the film industry and film heritage, which play an important role in Cambodia's economic development.

- The importance for the private and public sectors to cooperate and contribute to the development of the film sector.

Special programmes for the 13th edition of CIFF

This year's special programmes will aim to inspire young people to pursue their dreams and careers, to study and work hard to achieve a better life and recognition.

The LIFE LONG LEARNING programme, in partnership with the Australian Embassy in Cambodia, will celebrate the power of education and inspiring careers. This special programme will feature cult comedies about coming of age, entertaining comedies about fulfilling career aspirations. It will include a restored version of 'Radiance' by Rachel Perkins, the first multi-award-winning Aboriginal director, and the restored cult classic 'The Year My Voice Broke'.

"ROAD TO OLYMPIA" will present a series of inspiring films linked to sporting achievements in the year of the Olympic Games. The Australian film "Freeman" will be followed by a discussion with director Laurence Billiet, and the film "Featherweight" will be screened in the presence of American director Robert Kolodny.

In addition to these special programmes, a rich and diversified general programme from the four corners of the world will be on offer, with screenings of CAMBODIA FICTION, INTERNATIONAL FICTION, SCARY WORLDS, DOCUMENTARIES and BEAUTIFUL PLANET.

General programme

"STORIES IN CAMBODIA" will feature films made in and about Cambodia, opening with the celebrated "Elvis Of Cambodia", the first film about the iconic Cambodian singer Sin Sisamouth. The film will be previewed in the presence of the directors and Sin Sisamouth's family. In addition, new Cambodian films being previewed include LD Picture's "Sugarcane Baby" and Amit Dubey's "Silent Murders" starring Ros Mony.

CIFF will also host the world premiere of "Out Of Darkness" by Steven Stuart and Mattew Kilburn, shot entirely in Cambodia, in the presence of the directors, cast and crew.

Other Cambodian filmmakers whose short films have been selected for this year's three "CAMBODIA IN SHORTS" programmes are Rotha Meng, Pagna Chan, Chhit Boren, Chamroeun Phun, Vandy Chhim, Peter Chan, Via Nuon, Sivthong Ung, Sophanith Phorn and Hemkiry Song.

CIFF will also present short films by Cambodian filmmakers trained at the Bophana Center and "DUSK-DAWN", a series of 11 films made in collaboration with the Cambodian Acting Academy and the New Asian Filmmakers collective.

The 13th CIFF will be particularly proud to honour the legacy of legendary filmmaker Biv Chhay Leang, a pivotal figure whose contributions have profoundly shaped Cambodian culture, with a special section devoted to the golden age of Khmer cinema featuring two of his iconic films: "Chankreufa" and "Rattanavong".

"STORIES OF THE WORLD" will reflect a collection of international films that have been acclaimed for their unique storytelling and cinematic excellence. Some of the highlights include "The Harvest" by Cambodian director Caylee So, "How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies" by Thai director Pat Boonnitipat, and "Satu - Year of the Rabbit" by Joshua Trigg, which will be presented as the closing film in the presence of the director, producer and crew.

A number of stories will illustrate the strength, love and determination of women, including "The Mountain Wagtail" by Begaly Nargozuev from Kyrgyzstan and the wonderful "Dhai Aakhar" by renowned Indian director Praveen Arora.

The Festival's 'COLORFUL WORLDS' section will feature seven films, including 'Peafowl' in the presence of Korean director Sungbin Byun, the Indian feature 'Blue Sunshine' by Samyuktha Vijayan, which won an award at the KASHISH Pride Film Festival, and a rare restored Australian documentary 'Witches & Faggots, Dykes & Poofters'.

The Festival will also enchant you in its "SCARY WORLD" where the best horror films made in Cambodia and abroad will be presented. Local productions such as Leak Lyda's The Night Curse of Reatrei will be screened alongside Vietnamese director Lê Bình Giang's Rock-a-Bye Baby, Michael Mohan's Immaculate, Jang Jae-hyun's Exhuma and Michael Wright's The Undertaker.

On the documentary front, two sections will be taking centre stage: 'GLIMPSE OF CAMBODIA' and 'WORLD IN MOTION'.

"GLIMPSE OF CAMBODIA" will feature a selection of 23 films, including "Bax Axe" by Cambodian-American David Siev, "M-13: The Birthplace of the Khmer Rouge's Brutality" by Narith Roeun and the Cambodian premiere of "Pol Pot Dancing", in the presence of German director Enrique Sánchez Lansch.

Eleven trainees from the Bophana Center will also be presenting their short films on everyday life and Cambodian culture.

WORLD IN MOTION" will feature 12 international films exploring the human experience of movement, migration and displacement. These films tell the stories of individuals and communities who traverse complex social, economic and political landscapes in search of safety and a better future.

Highlights include Udan Fernando's 'Not So Green Pasture', Asio Liu Chihsiung's 'Chin-Liu-Tao' and the presence of French directors Élise Darblay and Antoine Depeyre to present their multi-award-winning film 'The Light Of Women'.

The Festival will continue its programme with "BEAUTIFUL PLANET", a CIFF project devoted 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", says Cédric Eloy, Director of the CIFF.

Cédric Eloy, CIFF Director at the press conference. Photo supplied

"BEAUTIFUL PLANET" will therefore focus on "EXPLORER", "MEKONG DISCOVERY" and "INDIGENOUS VOICES", representing over 30 community and education films by Cambodian and international filmmakers documenting contemporary issues and challenges around the world. Themes will include wildlife and biodiversity, indigenous issues, Cambodian communities and Southeast Asian perspectives. International filmmakers will be taking part, including the Belgian director of 'A World of 3 Zeros', a film about sustainable development, while Indian director Adarsh Raju will present 'Kodagu', which focuses on river life.

THE MEKONG DISCOVERY DAYS" will take place at the CJCC (Angkor-Kizuna Hall) on 27 and 28 June and will include screenings, discussions, photo exhibitions, presentations and a forum with partners such as UNDP, WFP, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Wonders of Mekong, the Heinrich Boll Foundation, Flora and Fauna International, Conservation International, Birds of Cambodia Education & Conservation, Ruy Reach, Junlen and Marine Conservation Cambodia.

Finally, at this 13th edition, children and parents will also be able to enjoy a wide range of high-quality animated shorts as part of the "CARTOONS OF THE WORLD" programme, as well as a number of family films, including Colin Tie's Cambodian animated tales and the Indian animated film focusing on the environment, "Return to the Jungle".

Volunteers for the CIFF. Photo supplied

The 13th Cambodia International Film Festival is ready to take you on a long, shared cinematic journey, so DON'T MISS IT!

---

More photos from the press conference here...

Click here for the detailed programme, timetable and information on events and special guests at CIFF: https://cambodiaiff.com/

Facebook : www.facebook.com/cambodiaiff/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/cambodiainternationalfilmfest/