PHNOM PENH: The Cambodia National Short Film Festival (CNSFF) organized a special seminar to provide insight to up-and-coming filmmakers on how to sell their films in the international market. Four leading Cambodian filmmakers were the key guest speakers who led the discussion and shared a wealth of wisdom on what to expect when trying to take their films to the international stage.

On Saturday, 17 December, CNSFF hosted a special seminar at the Chaktomuk Conference Hall to help inform and inspire local filmmakers on how to sell their films to the international market.

The four distinguished guests leading the seminar were acclaimed film director, Rithy Panh (founder of the Bophana Center, known best for his Oscar nominated film ‘The Missing Picture’), Director and Producer, Leak Lyda (CEO of LD Pictures), Producer Loy Te (founder of Kongchak Pictures) and Writer, Producer and Director Chhay Bora (president of the Motion Picture Association Cambodia).

All four speakers shared insightful advice and encouraged young filmmakers to not give up and keep trying even when they feel like they are not moving forward or have hit a dead end.

“You must study your target area, your genre, and the international audience,” said Chhay Bora. “Every country has different ways of seeing films. Some countries love horror, while others will like drama.”

Loy Te also spoke about his experience of selling a film (Jailbreak) to Netflix, stressing that the process was very long and revealed the necessity of going through a proper sales agent. He particularly emphasized the importance of ticking all the right boxes in order to meet the long list of technical specifications a streaming service asks for.

Once the seminar concluded, Chhay Bora spoke to EAC News about how important CNSFF is for new generation of filmmakers just starting out in the industry.

“This [festival] is very important, especially for the younger generation that is starting their career and wants to become a film producer, director or writer,” he said. “The short film festival is like a [stepping stone] for them to reach a more professional level. So they can [exercise] their talent by producing a two to five minute movie for this competition, and then, of course, [if they win an] award, then they [will be seen as an] outstanding [contestant]. And big productions will be looking out for the good [contestants in order to recruit them].”

Chhay Bora also remarked that it is difficult for members of the film industry in Cambodia because the country lacks a proper film school, so young filmmakers have to start from scratch and learn a lot by themselves.

“If you want to become a real filmmaker in the future, you have to start from scratch, right from [the stage of writing],” he said. “[I advise to] keep writing, reading and watching a lot of movies, and start to shoot one to two minute short films, and share those films with your friends… It will take time, maybe [a few] years, but then you might be able to [join] a big production, [or have them] recruit you. This is my advice. If you just take [filmmaking] as a [light] hobby, I don't think you’d [be able to] become a real filmmaker in the future.”

Producer Loy Te also spoke with EAC News on why he thinks the National Short Film Festival is important for Cambodia.

“I think the National Short Film Festival in Cambodia is something that's very important for us because the Cambodian industry right now, we are kind of in the beginning of a new golden age,” he said. “There's a lot of incubation happening right now, and festivals like this [provide] a platform for the next generation of filmmakers to express themselves and to experiment, and to get a chance to exchange [ideas] with more senior filmmakers or people that have already been in the industry for a while.”

Loy Te also extended some advice for the new generation of filmmakers in Cambodia, stressing that the new generation must keep having hope, as this is an industry of passion.

“I know that if you're talking with filmmakers that are [in the industry] right now, it can [seem like] a very pessimistic world, because there are so many challenges to [get through], but I want the next, new generation to keep having hope,” he said. “We're all working in [this industry] because we love making films. We love sharing stories. And you've got to have that passion and you've got to work at [this] age, you need to work hard to make it out there. I would say [that you should] always be open to [hear] criticism. It's the best thing you can do. Don't be closed minded, thinking that you've got it and that you know better than others. That's my advice for any generation [of filmmakers] at any age.”

Seminar attendee and film enthusiast, Leng Len, shared that she found it very inspiring to get this special insight from the ‘movers and the shakers’ of the local film industry.

“I love the topic, it's very inspiring to hear the insights from the movers and shakers of the industry, [epecially] from the very accomplished film directors and producers in Cambodia,” she said. “It was very encouraging and inspiring to hear their practical experience, feedback and insights.”

She added that her biggest takeaway from the seminar was to make sure you start off with a good script and story to tell, and also the value of recontextualising the film industry as a major economic driver in Cambodia.

“To me, [I think you have to] just start with a good script and good story to tell. Write a good script. Come up with a very creative and deep [style] of storytelling that can move the audience,” she said.

“We need to think about the film industry as another economy, a film economy. It's very good to do that [because] we need to think of policies that can support filmmakers. For example, like a tax break. A tax break for filmmakers could help motivate them to make films. So they [would get] a budget and [enough] money to pursue their dreams, tell stories and make films,” she further added.

Overall, around 200 people attended this special seminar organized by the Cambodian National Short Film Festival. The festival will conclude with a star-studded award ceremony on Tuesday, 20 December.