PHNOM PENH: Phare Ponleu Selpak broke the Guinness World Record for the longest circus show with a 24-hour, 10-minute, 30-second non-stop circus performance from 7-8 March 2021, with the participation of about 90 performers.

The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports has said that it considers this record a proud success for Cambodia.

The Guinness World Records conducted a year-long evaluation of 131-pages and 25-videos to recognize Phare Ponleu Selpak’s record.

On Thursday night, 17 November, the circus held a performance titled “Fight For Light!” showcasing the adventures and struggles of Phare Ponleu Selpak, with the aim of raising funds for its 2023 programs. The hour-long performance was recorded and the completed film will begin screening to the public, both local and abroad, on 11 December 2022.

Osman Khawaja, the Executive Director of Phare Ponleu Selpak, proudly displayed the Guinness World Records plaque on stage after Thursday night’s performance. He said that the longest circus performance in the world was viewed by over 1 million people worldwide, and added that his team are doing everything to keep the art school alive, as these programs are so important for the students and Cambodian society at large.

Executive Director, Suong Rota, also added that this year-long project was very important to her because she knows how art affects life. After graduating from PSE, she said she was grateful to have had the ability to do something for Phare Ponleu Selpak, which helped her find herself in the process.

Phare Ponleu Selpak is an organization located in Battambang province, running free arts training programs for poor Cambodians since 1994. In recent years, Phare Ponleu Selpak’s circus artists have been invited to perform in many countries around the world.

If you like to know more about Phare Ponleu Selpak, you can check out their website at phareps.org.

If you would like to make a donation to the organization, their ABA Bank account is: 000 784 673 - PHARE PONLEU SELPAK.