PHNOM PENH: Cambodia International Film Festival (CIFF) held a press conference on Wednesday at Rosewood Pavillion to gear up for its annual festivities and to announce some exciting partnerships. Hollywood star Matt Dillon will be the patron of the 12th iteration of the festival, having appeared in one of the first international features to be filmed in Cambodia. In an effort to reconnect with the country, the American actor and director is bringing back the 2002 noir thriller “City of Ghosts” to close out the festival.

 The festival will also host special guests Dy Saveth, Mark Bochsler, and Kon Sreynith. Dy Saveth a Cambodia actress who rose to prominence in the 60’s and 70’s, will sit down for a special conversation with Cambodian-French director Davy Chou. Fans will also hear from Surviving Bokator director Mark Bochsler and documentary filmmaker Kon Sreynith from the Bophana Center to gain insight on their experiences bringing Cambodian culture to film.

Patron Matt Dillon sent a special message ahead of the festival where he praised the development of Cambodia’s film industry in the 20 years since “City of Ghosts” was released. He said, “Cambodia is a very special place to me. It is such a fertile ground for creativity. It’s really great to see that it’s really developed into a thriving film industry. I’m really looking forward to seeing these young filmmakers come up with in the future. While making the City of Ghosts in Cambodia was a highlight of my life. CIFF is incredibly important for Cambodian filmmakers and filmmakers throughout the world; these are the types of festivals that are so important for the development of cinema. I am thrilled to be a part of this wonderful film festival”

The 12th Cambodia International Film Festival will hold their opening night on May 30 at Olympia Mall in conjunction with Legend Cinemas. The festival will run from May 31 to June 4. The screenings are from local and international films with more than 145 titles from 34 nations.

During the festival’s run, a “Cinema Village” at Olympia Mall will host guest speakers, vendors, and special booths to learn more about filmmaking and influencer culture. The village will also feature singers from Galaxy Navatra in concerts on June 3 and 4 on the ground floor.

 EAC News will be reporting from the event and fans can find the screening schedule on the CIFF Facebook page.