PHNOM PENH: After a two-year pandemic-induced hiatus, the Cambodia International Film Festival (CIFF) has finally returned for its 11th edition in 2022. The festival’s opening ceremony was held at the Chaktomuk Conference Hall in Phnom Penh on Tuesday, 28 June, and began at 5:30 PM with a star-studded red carpet.

Hundreds of filmmakers, celebrities, influencers, and Ambassadors from different embassies walked the red carpet and posed for pictures in front of the photo wall. The Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, Phoeurng Sackona, arrived on the carpet in high spirits and was greeted by the festival director, other organizers and ministry officials. Speaking with EAC News, she remarked on how this festival is a sign of a return to normalcy and was only possible because of the Royal Government’s successful efforts to manage the spread of Covid-19.

“This event is a joy for our people, our film industry, as well as the international film industry, to be able to meet all together again after a two-year pause,” she said. “Moreover, this event gives permission to the film producers, actors, directors, cameraman, other film crew and so on to share their experiences as well as see new projects from different countries who joined CIFF. This is a big encouragement for Cambodia to be able to open the country to foreign guests once again.”

Leak Lyda, the CEO of LD Pictures, who was awarded the CIFF 2020 Talent Award for Best Producer, was also walking the red carpet and said he has been looking forward to the 11th edition of CIFF, especially since two major feature films from his production company are showing at this year’s festival. “This year, we have two films, ‘The Clock’ was remastered for this film festival, and the other one is ‘Single Dad,’ which is a romantic comedy."

He spoke a bit about how his production company invests in many young filmmakers, and has about five or six films coming out this year. His company is also looking to further strengthen its output of Cambodian films for the international market.

“Right now, we have ‘12e’ that was written in English in preparation for an [international audience] and a few other national movies that we are increasing the budget for to focus on post-production and production to meet international quality," he said.

Singer-songwriter, Sin Setsochhata, said she was excited for the festival and has been to a few previous editions of CIFF before, but this was the first time she had been invited as a performer. “It’s been a long time that we have missed gathering like this, like in a huge crowd like this,” she said. “And of course, I really miss performing on stage, so tonight is going to be an amazing night.”

On what films she was most looking forward to seeing, she said there were many, but her interest was mostly drawn to the varied selection of local Cambodian films. “I think it’s a rare opportunity for us to watch local films here in Cambodia, so [this festival gives us] a good chance.”

Inside the iconic Chaktomok Conference Hall building, VIP guests were able to grab refreshments and snacks before heading upstairs into the theater for the start of the program. The hall, which has a capacity of over 500 seats, was quickly packed with guests eager to see the films and performances in store.

A short in memoriam video was first played to remember the lives and accomplishments of all filmmakers in the Cambodian film industry who passed away between 2020-2022. The short film, ‘Tourisme au Cambodge’ was the first film screening of the night, showcasing incredible footage of Cambodia from the 1960s. Performers from Phare Ponleu Selpak then took the stage for a jaw-dropping circus performance full of acrobatic feats.

The CIFF 2022 Talent Awards were announced by actress and Miss Universe Cambodia 2020, Sarita Reth, who had previously won the 2020 CIFF Talent Award for Best Actress. The Minister of Culture was invited to the stage to present the talent awards to Mang Sarith, for his art production work on Rithy Panh’s recent film, ‘Everything Will Be Ok,’ and actor Hout Sithan, for his role as Samnang’s father in Kavich Neang’s ‘White Building.’

Two other short films, ‘Frankie the Dinosaur’ from UNDP’s ‘Don’t Choose Extinction’ campaign, and ‘Tasty Drops,’ made by Cambodian indigenous filmmakers from the Bophana Center, were also screened, and singer Sin Setsochhata made the audience swoon with a performance of some of her biggest hits.

Towards the end of the program, the Minister of Culture, Phoeurng Sackona, delivered the official opening speech for the festival, expressing her support and appreciation for CIFF and its contribution to Cambodian culture and cultural promotion on the international stage.

From 28 June to 3 July, the 11th CIFF is presenting 144 films from 26 countries, all free of charge, at all major cinemas and other venues across Phnom Penh, including Legend Cinema, Major Cineplex, Prime Cineplex, French Institute, Bophana Center, Chaktomuk Conference Hall, Rosewood Hotel Phnom Penh, Java Creative Cafe, and Factory Phnom Penh. Of the 144 films being screened, 62 are Cambodian.

This year, the Australian Embassy is also acting as a Major Contributor to the festival, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and Cambodia. A special Panorama of Australian Cinema will showcase 20 films from the land down under, including 2019’s ‘Buoyancy,’ which was filmed in Cambodia with local actors.

The Cambodia International Film Festival is the country's largest international film and cultural event. It is organized by the Cambodia Film Commission and the Bophana Center, and hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts. Initiated in 2010, the festival acts as a catalyst for the film sector initiative gathering more than 20,000 participants each year. CIFF also acts as a bridge between Cambodia and the world through the universal language of film and culture, promoting the circulation of films within the region as well as promoting Cambodian productions.

More details on this year’s festival program can be found on CIFF’s website and Facebook page.