PHNOM PENH: The first horror movie by Cambodian production company Sastra Film, ‘Don’t Close Your Eyes’, will be released in theaters on Thursday, 23 February 2023. The owner and founder of Sastra Film has expressed her hope that audiences will be satisfied with the new movie.

Sastra Film held a star-studded premiere of its latest film, ‘Don’t Close Your Eyes’ at Legend Cinema K Mall, on Tuesday, 21 February, with many actors, singers and other VIP guests in attendance.

Speaking at the premiere, Sastra Film’s Founder and Chairwoman, Bun Chan Nimol, said that she believes ‘Don’t Close Your Eyes’ will be able to satisfy and entertain audiences, especially after having seen the hard work and dedication showcased by the director, screenwriter, actors and all crew members involved in the film’s production.

“Actually, I do not focus on [selling many tickets] to earn a lot of money, what I [am focused on] is creating film content that expands the market," she said.

According to Bun Chan Nimol, 'Don't Close Your Eyes' took about four months to prepare for, shoot and edit altogether.

Two of the film’s actors, Kasing and Ji Zorng, also expressed their happiness in seeing the film get released in theaters.

"I feel very happy! I would not have imagined that this day would come for me, because I’m still a younger actor in the arts industry," said Ji Zorng.

The film’s screenwriter, Neouy Bunrath, said that he faced some difficulties while working out the story’s composition, so he immersed himself in a world of superstition and engaged in certain spiritual rituals to get himself in the zone and be able to write from his real feelings in reaction to spooky situations. He added that this film is not only a horror story, but is also about love and has an educational meaning.

While the title of the film may suggest otherwise, audience members can still close their eyes if they are too scared by the scenes on screen.

‘Don’t Close Your Eyes’ hits theaters on Thursday, 23 February, at Legend Cinemas across Cambodia.