Cambodia to Host 1st International Film Festival

BY BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA

The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts (MoCFA) will host the “Cambodia International Film Festival” for four days from October 20-23 in Phnom Penh, aiming to promote film industry in Cambodia. The event will be organized with financial support from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), FX Entertainment, Cambodia Film Commission, Association of Film Maker of Cambodia, and Khmer Films.

Khim Sarith, Secretary of State for the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, said that it marks the first time MoCFA will organize the “Cambodia International Festival” in Phnom Penh. He stated that the main purpose of the event is to exchange the film producing experience among participating countries as well as to promote film industry in the Kingdom of Cambodia.

“As you will be fully aware that the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts always pays much attention to support and promote the film industry in the country as part of our strategy in cultural development. The ministry wishes to welcome all film producers as well as film companies in the world to come and enjoy shooting in Cambodia,” he said during his opening remarks at the official launch of the Cambodia International Film Festival on January 28.

The Secretary of State went on to say that the international event will provide an opportunity to set up a world class event in Cambodia and present films and guests from many different countries along with remarkable national productions.

Teruo Jinnai, Head of Office and UNESCO Representative in Cambodia, said UNESCO works to globally assist developing a proper environment for artistic creativity. He added that through its culture and communications and information sectors, UNESCO is internationally involved in a number of efforts aimed at building the capacity of the film-makers and supporting their growth both as a cultural industry and as a platform for addressing the human development needs.

“I hope that through this Cambodia International Film Festival it will help Cambodia in promoting and developing its film industry as well as provides access for Cambodia to the international film industry in the future,” he told The Southeast Asia Weekly during a personal interview after the launching ceremony of the Cambodia International Film Festival.

Mariam Arthur, Kmy Films CEO, said that this exciting event brings international film-markers to screen their latest movies and share their skills with Khmer film-makers. She continued to say that about ten countries with over 30 their latest movies will be displayed during the Cambodia International Film Festival from October 20-23 in Phnom Penh.

She added that the events are open to the public alongside invitation-only galas and workshops designed for local film industry development.

The events include theatre screening, outdoor screening, opening ceremony, award ceremony, an exposition cinema industry showcase and workshop or seminar. The screenings include successful independent films from around the world, classic and modern Khmer films, award-winning documentaries from around the world, youth-oriented films, made in Cambodia, TV series, and music videos, she said at the Cambodia International Film Festival. ///

Comments

Hoem Seiha said…
Seiha, Reporter at ETM:
Thanks for information. Good work. Thanks again.
May 13, 2010 at 7:22 PM
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