The 14th edition of the Chaktomuk Short Film Festival (CSFF) concluded on Sunday, October 19 after four days of screenings and discussions that highlighted the growing creativity and dynamism of Cambodia’s emerging filmmakers.
Held from October 17 to 20 under the theme “Change”, this year’s festival explored themes of personal and social transformation through short films.
The event featured 77 films from 22 countries, including 42 from Cambodia, attracting more than 1,000 attendees in person and reaching over 800,000 followers on social media platforms.
The top honours went to Grandma Nai Who Played Favorites, which won the Best Film Award, followed by Heartache in second.
Red Moon, directed by Cambodian filmmaker Roshane Saidnattar, received both the Audience Choice Award and the Jury Award.
Him Sotithya, secretary of state at the Ministry of Information, praised the festival’s contribution to promoting local talent and enhancing Cambodia’s cultural presence abroad.
“Film is a powerful tool that plays an important role in reflecting our national identity and culture to our people and the world,” he said.
“The CSFF has created a valuable opportunity for young people to showcase their talents and transform Cambodian cinema to an international level,” he added.
Festival president Sum Sithen said the festival continues to serve as a key platform for young filmmakers to exchange ideas and express creativity within the Cambodian film community.
Meanwhile, Roshane Saidnattar, whose Red Moon earned two major awards, described the experience as “a proud and inspiring moment”.
“It was my first time seeing my own work on such a big screen,” she said.
“This festival motivates me to continue developing my craft and telling stories that matter,” she continued.
As the 2025 edition closed, the Sunflower Film Alliance, which organises the festival, announced 15 new initiatives in preparation for the next year’s 15th anniversary.
The projects aim to strengthen Cambodia’s film industry, create more opportunities for young filmmakers and promote the country’s cinematic achievements internationally.
The festival organisers expressed appreciation to their key supporters, including the Cambodian Children’s Foundation (CCF), Legend Cinema, the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, and the Ministry of Information.
Following the Phnom Penh screenings, selected short films from this year’s festival will be shown in Battambang and Siem Reap to expand access to regional audiences and encourage public interest in local filmmaking.
