Cambodia International Film Festival Press Conference: Cultural Diplomacy and Cinematic Bridges
- Editorial team
- 3 hours ago
- 7 min read
In the elegant setting of the Rosewood Phnom Penh, the Cambodia International Film Festival (CIFF) press conference took place this Thursday morning, bringing together diplomats, artists, and officials around a shared passion: the seventh art. Highlights from this gathering, placed under the banner of cultural diversity and dialogue between nations.
"Cultural diplomacy is no pretense"
It was with an anecdote from the series "The Americans" that the Australian ambassador, Derik Yip, chose to open his speech. In this 1980s fiction, a KGB agent lives under deep cover in Washington DC, posing as a Soviet cultural attaché – a wink from the scriptwriters suggesting that this job would be the most fictitious of all.
"But I want to challenge this idea, because I believe that cultural diplomacy work is not only authentic, but also extremely useful, especially in a world that is fragmenting and where nations are building walls instead of bridges," he declared with conviction.
For the ambassador, cultural diplomacy pursues the same goals as traditional diplomacy – exchanging ideas, building mutual understanding, persuading, and deepening empathy – but it does so through the arts rather than through meetings and summits.
"One of the most powerful and immersive forms of art is cinema," he emphasized, explaining why Australia is happy to partner with the festival once again this year.
This year, Australia will be particularly prominent with four films. "Kangaroo," a heartwarming family comedy featuring Australia's iconic wildlife, filmed in the breathtaking outback. "Interview with a Hero," a moving short film by Cambodian-Australian director Celeste Diep, who will be present at the festival, tells the story of a Cambodian-Australian man who creates and practices shadow theater in his local temple. "This film shows how migrants find hope and opportunities in their adopted land, but also how their history and heritage continue to shape them," the ambassador explained.
The third film, "Boodjara" – which means country or belonging – focuses on Australia's First Nations, the world's oldest continuous culture. It follows a group from the Noongar people on a powerful journey to revive their language, reclaim ancestral place names, and reconnect with the stories and knowledge rooted in the land. Finally, "Franklin" tells the story of the Franklin River in Tasmania, a fight for nature and the power of citizens' voices.
Memory as a living material
The UNESCO representative, Jonas van Hooff, emphasized the memorial dimension of cinema. "Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen deputies, festival team members, it is a real pleasure to join you today for the festival opening," he began, before elaborating on his institution's vision. "UNESCO's goal rests on the conviction that culture, memory, and education are not mere earthly concerns. They are fundamental to peace, development, and the dignity of peoples."
He recalled that for decades, UNESCO has worked with Cambodian institutions to preserve and interpret the country's memorial sites, particularly the genocide museums.
"But these are not just historical places; they are living archives of the human experience, of suffering, survival, and the national will to remember, to listen, and to move forward," he stressed.
It is in this spirit that UNESCO is proud to organize, in partnership with the festival organizers, an event titled "Cinema, Archives, and Memorial Sites in Cambodia." This session will bring together a selection of short documentaries exploring the collections of memorial site archives. "These films will help us reflect on how we document atrocity, how we preserve evidence of what happened, and the responsibilities we bear toward the present and future generations. These are not abstract questions, but in fact one of the most urgent issues of our time."
After the screening, panelists will join a conversation exploring the role of archives as historical evidence, the responsibilities of memorial institutions and public education, and above all, how to engage younger generations in reflecting on Cambodia's past.
"A photograph in a museum box and the same photograph on a cinema screen are transformed by context, by the presence of an audience, by the breathing in the room, and by the conversations that follow," he observed poetically.
"This is what this festival enables, and this is why UNESCO believes that supporting the intersection of individual culture and historical memory is not just a mission; it is actually an investment in how societies understand each other." He concluded by saluting Cambodia's ability to "show the world that it is possible to build a future by looking to the past," wishing the festival every success.
Francophonie in the spotlight
Christian DesRoches, Canadian ambassador, highlighted the importance of this 2026 edition, which coincides with the Francophonie Summit scheduled later in the year. "We are a major sponsor of the Cambodia International Film Festival. We see it as a platform for dialogue, creativity, and interaction," he declared.
"In these difficult times, we must find ways to communicate with each other. Cédric already mentioned it; this year is an important one for Cambodia. It's the year of the Francophonie Summit. We are therefore looking forward to working with you to make this event a success."
He congratulated the festival organizers for their vision and dedication, delighted to participate and watch as many films as possible.
The "Francophone Worlds" program will feature, among others, "La Joie de Vivre" by Norodom Sihanouk, "Robot T-O (A Wonderful World)" by Giulio Callegari, "Miss Boots (Mlle Bottine)" by Yan Lanouette Turgeon, and "The Roots Remain (Retour aux Sources)" by Jean-Sébastien Francoeur and Andrew Marchand-Boddy. A selection of Francophone short films, including "The Little Shopping Trolley," "Mom," "The Chamber," "Notes from a Poet," "Koun Srei" (My Daughter), "Loc Lac," and "Chant of the Desert Flower," will enrich this cultural dialogue.
A gesture for the environment and memory
Laurent Raspaud, Deputy Director of the French Development Agency (AFD), spoke to express his institution's support.
"Thank you to the Cambodia International Film Festival for this project. We are very happy to support the festival through our project with the Bophana Center, which was recently signed," he explained.
This project provides significant support to the Bophana Center for preserving memory in Cambodia and using memory as a living material to help youth and education.
"Within this project, we are particularly happy to support the Mekong Discovery database, which addresses environmental assessment and biological issues. I have the opportunity to say it once again, as Mr. Eloy said, climate change is of great importance," he emphasized, establishing an essential link between cultural memory and environmental preservation.
The voice of Khmer artists
Director Kim Sophea, visibly moved, came to present her two films "Rest in Pieces" and "Chant of the Desert Flower." "I hope you're all well. I'd like to thank the ambassadors, the press, and the officials for being here this morning. I'd also like to thank the festival team for the opportunity to present my films," she began, before apologizing for her nervousness.
"With over 150 films presented at the festival, I'm very happy to offer my second film this year. It's a special narrative I've worked on."
She evoked philosophies that can draw on stories from around the world to explore the potential of storytelling.
For her, the festival is an excellent platform. "For me, it's not just about watching a film, but an opportunity for us to unite, exchange, and learn from different stories from around the world. I hope to see my international friends discover this beautiful platform."
Cinema, fruit of peace and engine of development
H.E. Ek Buntha, representing the Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, delivered a substantial speech underscoring the importance of this event for the kingdom.
On behalf of the ministry, he extended a warm welcome to all distinguished guests, filmmakers, partners, and media members, as well as his sincere appreciation to the organizers whose dedication continues to make the festival a significant cultural event for Cambodia.
"Since its creation, the CIFF has become a significant platform for cultural exchange and artistic dialogue. It brings together filmmakers and audiences from Cambodia and around the world, contributing to strengthening the link between our national cinema and the global filmmaking community."
He recalled the impressive figures for this edition: 150 films from 40 countries, including about 60 Cambodian films, with over 150 screenings and events across Phnom Penh. "This remarkable program demonstrates both the vitality of international cinema and the growing creativity of Cambodian filmmakers."
For the Royal Government of Cambodia, developing the film sector is an important component of cultural development and creative industries.
"Under the leadership of H.E. the Minister, the ministry continues to work closely with its partners to strengthen the Cambodian film ecosystem through training programs, professional networking, film preservation, and international collaboration."
H.E. Ek Buntha also announced that the government is increasingly focusing on attracting international film productions to Cambodia.
"Cambodia possesses extraordinary cultural and natural assets – from our historic heritage sites to our diverse landscapes and vibrant communities – offering exceptional filming locations. Currently, the government is examining various incentive mechanisms to encourage international producers and filmmakers to choose Cambodia as a filming destination."
He highlighted the positive impacts of this strategy: "By attracting foreign productions, we not only promote Cambodia's cultural image internationally, but we also create local employment opportunities, skill development, and knowledge exchange within our film industry."
In this context, he praised the "Seeds of Peace: Lessons from the Past" program as particularly significant, as it brings together films exploring themes of memory, resilience, and reconciliation. The festival also pays homage to Cambodia's rich cinematic heritage through the program honoring Uong Kan Thouk, one of the pioneering filmmakers of Cambodia's golden age of cinema.
Before concluding, H.E. Ek Buntha warmly invited filmmakers, students, audiences, and the public to participate in this 15th edition. "Let us come together to celebrate cinema, creativity, and cultural dialogue."
A rich and accessible anniversary edition
With 150 films from 40 countries, including around sixty Cambodian productions, CIFF 2026 promises to be a major event.
Tributes to pioneer Uong Kan Thouk (also known as Uong Sita) with three of her films – "Time to Cry" (1972), "Muoy Meun Alay" (1970), and "Thavary Meas Bang" (1969) – will be screened at the Bophana Center in the presence of her granddaughter, Ambre Rama.
The "Seeds of Peace" program features powerful works like "Meeting with Pol Pot" by Rithy Panh, "Night Has Come" by Paolo Tizon, "When the Border Breathes" by V Vansay Zanubon, and "Guns & Lotuses" by Grant Hennessy.
The environmental section "Beautiful Planet" will highlight films like "Little Mangroves," "Beneath Cambodia's Ocean," or "Poisonous Metals in Our Rivers."
All screenings are free, subject to availability, in venues as varied as Legend Cinema Olympia, Legend Exchange Square, Fable Cinema, the French Institute of Cambodia, the Bophana Center, the Rosewood Phnom Penh, Sabay Cinema (Aeon Mall 1), not forgetting outdoor screenings on the Riverside pedestrian street and the indigenous festival "Water Land Forest" at the Royal University of Phnom Penh.
The 15th Cambodia International Film Festival will take place from March 24 to 29, 2026.
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