Seda by Jean-Baptiste Phou: A Poetic Journey at the Heart of Khmer Classical Dance
- Editorial team
- 22 hours ago
- 2 min read
Seda is a short fiction film directed by Jean-Baptiste Phou, a Franco-Cambodian artist with multiple talents. This cinematic project, set within the cultural landscape of Phnom Penh, explores with depth and sensitivity the enchanting universe of Khmer classical dance.
Through the eyes of a young dancer, Amara, who embodies Princess Seda in a ballet inspired by the Reamker—the Cambodian adaptation of the Ramayana—the film brings forth a narrative where mythology and reality gracefully intertwine with mystery.
Dance, the Language of the Intimate
Jean-Baptiste Phou, who defines himself first and foremost as a passionate dancer, explains that this film carries a dual dimension:
"It is not only a tribute to the beauty and discipline of dance, but also a unique language to address themes of family dynamics and the violence that can be hidden within them."
Dance becomes a powerful medium, not merely to decorate the screen, but to penetrate the heart of emotions and inner conflicts.
Genesis and Ambitions of the Film
The director confides that he has dreamed of this work for nearly ten years, before artistic and financial conditions finally allowed him to realize it.
"Seda is a project I hold deeply. I was fortunate to gather talented artists from the Royal Ballet, accompanied by experienced actors, to infuse this film with rare authenticity," he shares enthusiastically.
Call for Participation
Filming is scheduled for early 2026, with a crowdfunding campaign underway to complete the necessary budget for its realization. This civic initiative is open to all who wish to invest in the preservation and promotion of a living and evolving cultural heritage.
To participate in this unique artistic adventure, it is possible to support the project directly via the Indiegogo platform at the following address:
Tradition and...
Through "Seda," Jean-Baptiste Phou invites the audience to a dialogue between past and present, tradition and innovation. This cinematic creation also stands out for its desire to revisit certain classical choreographies, blending ancestral gestures with contemporary interpretations. A way to reinvent a millenary culture, anchoring it in modernity while respecting its essence.
Homage to the Vitality of Khmer Culture
The film, as well as the approach of its creator, testifies to the vitality of Cambodian culture today, capable of renewing itself and expressing itself with strength.
Jean-Baptiste Phou concludes: "This film is also a tribute to the mythical women figures of our history, whose journeys still illuminate the struggles and hopes of our society."
Supporting and Transmitting Memory
This project is an invitation to discover the richness and complexity of Khmer culture from a new perspective, blending cinema, dance, and mythology. Supporting "Seda" means participating in a work that transcends borders, reminding us of the universal power of art as a vector of memory and emotion.
For more information and to contribute to this creation, visit the Indiegogo page: