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…
Author: Raksmey Hong
For two decades, Michael Santiago — known to almost everyone in the Phnom Penh creative scene as “Mikey” — lived a life dictated by the relentless rhythm of advertising. As a storyboard artist and art director, his hands shaped the visual identities of major brands, but his own artistic voice was often relegated to the margins of a busy professional schedule. “Cambodia has shaped me, not only as an artist, but as a person,” shares Santiago. “In the simplicity of daily life, I found endless beauty. The act of cooking, praying, gathering and celebrating holds quiet magic. Through watercolours, I…
Cambodia has stepped up fuel market oversight and warned petrol station operators against price manipulation as governments across Southeast Asia roll out emergency measures to cope with a surge in global oil prices triggered by geopolitical tensions. Retail fuel prices in Cambodia rose to 5,200 riel per litre for regular gasoline (Gasoline 92) and 6,050 riel per litre for diesel as of March 11, according to the Ministry of Commerce. Despite government subsidies, the new rates remain in effect until March, reflecting the impact of international market volatility. Authorities say the increase is largely driven by turbulence in global…
The Cambodian government has firmly rejected reports which claim that Prime Minister Hun Manet announced negotiations on Thai territorial claims will take place after Khmer New Year. A March 10 statement from the government’s spokesperson unit noted that Thai media quoted the neighbouring Kingdom’s foreign minister as saying Manet claimed he would begin negotiations following the “Nokor Sangkranta” festival. In the statement, the unit stressed that the prime minister never made such remarks. “The prime minister has never stated or posted on any social media platform that negotiations through the Joint Border Committee (JBC) mechanism would take place after the…
Government ministries, provincial administrations and security forces across Cambodia have been instructed to step up preparations to ensure the upcoming Khmer New Year (Sangkran) is celebrated in a festive, safe and culturally rich manner, while promoting national traditions and maintaining public order. According to a directive issued by the National Committee for Organising National and International Festivals (NCONIF), authorities nationwide have been tasked with coordinating activities, strengthening security measures and promoting traditional customs during the three-day celebration, from April 14 to 16. “The traditional festival marks the transition into the Year of the Horse in the Khmer calendar,” noted the…
Private-sector leaders, government officials and gender-equality advocates have called for stronger action from businesses to remove barriers to women’s leadership in Cambodia, stressing that workplace policies and corporate culture must translate gender-equality commitments into tangible opportunities. The March 6 EuroCham Cambodia and UN Women Cambodia, with support from the Australian Government, co‑hosted an International Women’s Day business engagement event today under the global 2026 theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.” It brought together private-sector leaders, government representatives and development partners to examine the organisational barriers that continue to limit women’s advancement to leadership roles, while exploring practical…
The APSARA National Authority (ANA) has called on content creators and artists, as well as the public, to ensure that images and videos produced at the Angkor Archaeological Park respect cultural values and comply with the existing regulations aimed at protecting the country’s most important heritage site. In a March 9 public appeal, the authority thanked citizens from all walks of life for their continued support in preserving and promoting Cambodia’s cultural heritage and traditions through visits, photography and video performances at the Angkor complex. “The ANA welcomes creative activities that demonstrate respect for the country’s cultural identity and contribute…
Private sector investment supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is helping strengthen Cambodia’s livestock feed supply chain and improve the livelihoods of farmers, as agribusiness expansion and technical training aim to boost local production and enhance food security. During a recent visit to the feed production facility of De Heus TMH Company Limited in Cambodia, the company general director Harry Schimmel said the partnership between the Dutch animal nutrition firm and local partners has contributed to building a stronger agricultural value chain that benefits farmers, distributors and consumers. Schimmel noted that Cambodia’s total animal feed market is estimated at…
As Cambodia prepares to mark International Women’s Day on March 8, the role of female investigators, welfare officers and medical professionals at the Child Protection Unit (CPU) on the frontline of efforts to investigate crimes against children and support victims seeking justice has been highlighted. The unit, which works in partnership with the Cambodian National Police, reported handling 335 cases of serious crimes against children last year, ranging from sexual abuse to murder. Much of the work — from attending crime scenes to providing medical care and long-term support for victims — is carried out by women officers and specialists.…
The Ministry of National Defence escorted foreign military attachés from 12 countries to visit Preah Vihear Temple and its surrounding area on March 5, to show the visitors the extent of damage that Cambodian authorities say was caused by Thai military attacks. According to a press release issued by ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata, the visit to the temple complex, located in Sra’em commune of Choam Khsant district in Preah Vihear province, took place at around 11am. The tour was organised to provide international observers with a direct view of damage to the ancient monument and nearby areas following armed confrontations…