PHNOM PENH: After calling for short film submissions earlier this year, the Chaktomuk Short Film Festival (CSFF) has made its final selection of films to compete for the top prizes. There were 59 Cambodian submissions and 128 international submissions. It was a lengthy process, but the team has curated the festival finalists.

“This year's content is really diverse and interesting to see of course,” said CSFF Local Programmer, Vutha Koam. “They also came with a better quality of production and storytelling in local views. The current themes we find in this edition are ‘love’ and ‘motivation.’”

The top six short films in the national category are: “Sound of the Night” by Sok Chanrado and Vann Kongkea, “Sacrifice”by Sok Sary, “The Pick” by Sok Sary, “Ms. Client” by Ty Tepnimol, “Father’s Wishes” by Prum Sreyleak, and “Sunrise in My Mind” by San Danech.

The top eight short films in the international category are: “Bye Bye,” “Sudden Uncertainty,” “Domar,” “Summer Friends,” Motorcyclist’s Happiness Won’t Fit into His Suit,” “Hot Rod,” “Lili Alone,” and “Curupira and the Machine of Destiny.”

“I really wanted to continue our 2021 trend of having high-quality films that are very diverse in all aspects,” said CSFF international programmer, Sansitny Ruth. “Because freedom and diversity in art is one of its greatest strengths, and the challenge of digesting, connecting with, and understanding diverse perspectives is what makes for a healthy and vibrant society.”

In addition to these finalists, CSFF will also screen other selected entries for the following categories: Cambodian Film Showcase - Section I, Cambodian Film Showcase - Section II, Cambodian Documentary Showcase, International Film Showcase, SFA Showcase, and Special Project Showcase.

CSFF will be officially held from 25-28 November at Chaktomuk Theater, Legend Cinema - Noro Mall, and Major Cineplex - Sorya. The festival has been supported by the following local institutions: Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, Ministry of Information, Cambodian Children’s Fund, Legend Cinema, Major Cineplex, Sabay News, EAC News, KongChak Pictures, and Snaeng Studio.

Check out the following platforms for more updates:

Website: http://csff.co

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChaktomukShortFilmFestival/