Press Release
PHONM PENH- The 1st annual Cambodia International Film Festival opens this Wednesday (20 October) at Chaktomuk Theatre. The red carpet event has brought filmmakers from around the world to Phnom Penh to celebrate cinema at the festival hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts and endorsed by UNESCO.
The opening ceremony attended by celebrities, government officials and VIP guests includes a presentation about the festival and a performance by the Cambodia Space Project with a media display.
For three days (21-22-23 October), more than 100 international and Khmer productions are screened at six venues throughout Phnom Penh, such as Lux Cinema, Chenla Theatre, Bophana Center and Le Cinema at CCF; public outdoor screenings are at Golden Sorya Market and Diamond Island.
Khmer filmmaker, Chhay Bora is premiering his 1st feature film, Lost Loves, on Thursday, 21 October, at Chenla Theatre. This dramatic story of his mother-in-law’s survival during the Khmer Rouge era evokes respect of those who live with the sorrow of loved ones who died.
The Cinema Industry Showcase at Diamond Island (Wedding Hall F) is the official expo of the Cambodian film industry with booths of local production companies and displays of projects such as the new Great Khmer Empire.
Several events are planned including parties at Studio 182, St. Tropez and Elements. Local acclaimed artist, Leang Seckon, whose artwork is portrayed on our official poster, will be giving a presentation at Meta House on Thursday, 21 October. A City of Ghosts Reunion is at Maxine’s (Snowy’s) on Friday, 22 October.
The closing ceremony (24 October), at Chaktomuk Theatre will honor 5 Cambodians with a special tribute award: HE Ieu Pannakar, HE Mao Ayuth, Mr. Rithy Panh, Ms. Dy Saveth and Mr. Tep Rindaro. The festival is organized by FX Entertainment with co-organizers the Cambodia Film Commission, Kmy Films and the Association of Filmmakers of Cambodia.
Admission is $1 USD per movie time or $5 for a 3-day pass; student wearing school ID badges are admitted free 15 minutes before the start of each screening time. The Headquarters Office is located at Bophana Center during business hours for advance purchase of passes, catalogs ($3) and posters ($10).
