The 15th edition of the Cambodia International Film Festival (CIFF) will return to the capital from March 24 to 29, bringing together 150 films from 40 countries as Cambodia seeks to strengthen its film industry and attract more international productions.
Organisers announced the programme at a March 12 press conference at the Rosewood Phnom Penh, describing the festival as the country’s largest international film and cultural event and an important platform for cultural exchange and artistic dialogue.
According to festival organisers, this year’s edition will feature more than 150 screenings and events across major venues in Phnom Penh, including Legend Cinema Olympia, Legend Exchange Square, Fable Cinema, the Institut français du Cambodge and the Bophana Center.
Open-air screenings will also take place along the riverside walking street, while special environmental and Indigenous programming will be held at the Royal University of Phnom Penh.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, Ek Buntha said the festival demonstrates both the vitality of global cinema and the growing creativity of Cambodian filmmakers.
“This remarkable program demonstrates both the vibrancy of international cinema and the growing creativity of Cambodian filmmakers,” he said.
He added that the government considers the development of the film sector an important part of the country’s cultural and creative industries.
“The government is increasingly focusing on attracting international film productions to Cambodia,” Buntha said.
“Cambodia possesses extraordinary cultural and natural assets — from our historical heritage sites to our diverse landscapes and vibrant communities — which offer exceptional filming locations,” he added.
He noted that authorities are considering various incentive mechanisms to encourage international producers to film in the Kingdom, which could generate employment opportunities and strengthen professional skills in the local industry.
Events such as CIFF play a key role in positioning Cambodia as an emerging hub for cinematic collaboration, he added.
Founded in 2010, CIFF has grown into Cambodia’s leading international film festival, attracting more than 20,000 participants annually while promoting Cambodian productions alongside international cinema.
This year’s programme includes about 60 Cambodian films across various categories, including fiction, documentary, short films and animation.
One of the highlights of the festival will be a tribute to pioneering Cambodian filmmaker Uong Kan Thouk, also known as Uong Sita, who was active during the golden age of Cambodian cinema before the 1970s.
The tribute programme will feature three of her works – Time to Cry (1972), Muoy Meun Alay (1970) and Thavary Meas Bang (1969) – with special screenings at the Bophana Center.
Organisers said her granddaughter, Ambre Rama, is expected to attend the festival.
Another key section, titled “Seeds of Peace: Lessons from the Past”, will explore themes of conflict, memory and reconciliation through films such as Meeting with Pol Pot by Cambodian director Rithy Panh.
Festival organisers said the programme reflects CIFF’s longstanding engagement with memory, resilience and dialogue, particularly in societies affected by conflict.
Cambodian cinema will also feature prominently through the “Stories in Cambodia” programme, which includes films such as Far Away Close to You by Mony Kann Darung, The Offspring by Seng Thy, Mannequin Wedding by Diep Sela and Private Dancer by Robin Dudfield.
At the same time, a range of documentary programmes will highlight issues such as heritage, migration, environmental protection and Indigenous knowledge.
Environmental storytelling forms another major pillar of the festival through the “Beautiful Planet” series, which includes films focusing on biodiversity, rivers and marine ecosystems in Cambodia and the wider region.
Speaking at the press conference, Australian ambassador to Cambodia Derek Yip said cinema plays a powerful role in cultural diplomacy and international understanding.
“One of the most powerful and immersive forms of art is cinema,” he said.
“Cultural diplomacy is about exchanging ideas, building understanding, persuading and deepening empathy,” he noted.
He added that Australia has partnered with CIFF for several years and will present four Australian films during this year’s festival.
They include the family film Kangaroo, the short film Interview with a Hero by Cambodian-Australian filmmaker Andy “Celeste” Diep, the Indigenous-focused documentary Boodjara and Franklin, which tells the story of the environmental campaign to protect Tasmania’s Franklin River.
Organisers say the festival’s broad programme aims to connect audiences with global stories while continuing to support emerging Cambodian filmmakers.
Hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, the festival is organised by the Department of Cinema, the Cambodia Film Commission and the Bophana Center, with support from numerous international partners and embassies.
All screenings will be free to the public on a first-come, first-served basis, with tickets available at festival venues one hour before each screening.
