PHNOM PENH: Tharoth Sam is a prolific Cambodian actress whose Bokator martial arts skills propelled her into international stardom. Her breakout role was in the Cambodian blockbuster ‘Jailbreak’, followed by ‘First They Killed My Father’, directed by Angelina Jolie. Both these films can be streamed on Netflix. Her latest film ‘Shotgun Wedding’ is releasing in cinemas on Thursday, 12 January 2023.

Tharoth has become something of a feminist icon by representing the strength of Cambodian women. She has said that she maintains the values of a strong daughter and Khmer child who wants to learn more about Khmer martial arts and help preserve this combat sport for future generations.

Because of her charisma and talent, Tharoth is widely sought after not only in Cambodia but in international productions as well. Her latest film, ‘Shotgun Wedding’, was filmed in the Dominican Republic with a star-studded cast including Jennifer Lopez, Josh Duhamel, Lenny Kravitz, and Jennifer Coolidge.

Recently, there was a misunderstanding circulating on social media that Tharoth was asked to act as a Burmese fighter in ‘Shotgun Wedding’, however, she confirmed to EAC News that that was not true.

“It is not true with ‘Shotgun Wedding’, but it is true with another movie that they offered me in Thailand," she said.

She refused the offer because she is a proud Cambodian who wishes to showcase Cambodian martial arts to the world. Tharoth also starred in the non-fiction film, ‘Surviving Bokator’, which has been making waves internationally since 2018. The film will release in theaters in Cambodia this year.

Recently, 'LBokator', widely known as Bokator, was also inscribed onto UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity List.