The 11th Cambodia International Film Festival (CIFF) kicked off yesterday at Chaktomuk Conference Hall in Phnom Penh after a gap of two years. As many as 144 movies from 26 countries will be screened at the six-day long festival that will end on July 3.

Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, said in the event that the ministry considers the film industry as an essential part of its strategy of cultural and economic development.

She added that ‘after the pandemic years, the Royal Government of Cambodia wishes to welcome filmmakers to CIFF, an event which promotes Cambodian film as well as the country as an attractive film destination for filmmakers from across the world.’

Dy Saveth, 78-year-old Cambodian actress and the first Miss Cambodia , often referred to as the “actress of tears”, was the major attraction at the gala opening of the festival.

While expressing her joy with Khmer Times, one of the most beloved actresses from the 1960s, Dy Saveth said yesterday that she was so happy to see the crowd and it shows the growth of film industry in the country.

“Cambodian audience were isolated for the last two years due to Covid-19 and everybody was  watching movies either on laptops or smartphones,” Savet said, adding that, “this is the time to socialise and cheer up for film sector along with the rest of the world”.

Savet added that Cambodia is home to several world heritage sites and is an ideal place for local and foreign filmmakers to produce their movies.

“Our films are comparable with other countries as the actors and filmmakers are really working hard to produce quality film,” she said.

The veteran Cambodian actor, Tep Rindaro, who started acting in 1987, also showed up yesterday. He said that the event will help the film fraternity to reunite and work together.

“We ask for more support from audience, especially Cambodian audience, as it is the best motivation for actors, and filmmakers can produce quality work,” he said.

The film festival from June 28-July3 is expected to be an educating platform for the Cambodian audience as it brings a slice of life from other parts of the world.

The Australian Embassy is a major partner of the Cambodian International Film Festival (CIFF) this year. 2022 is an important year for the Australian Embassy  as they are celebrating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Australia. Hence, it  wants to build on this festival to connect the two cultures, find common ground and a shared sense of community.  The films will reflect a contemporary Australia – the diversity, creativity, and complexity. Australian Embassy’s support for this year’s film festival is a chance for all Australians and Cambodians to reflect on the two countries journeys over the last 70 years, and what can be done in the next 70 and beyond.

• Tags: CIFF, movies