A Cinematic Triumph: Cambodia International Film Festival Wows Tourists and Expats with Over 150 Screenings
The 14th edition of the Cambodia International Film Festival (CIFF) came to a spectacular close, leaving both expats and tourists in awe of the Kingdom’s thriving cinematic scene. Held from March 24 to 29, 2025, the week-long festival saw over 150 screenings and events unfold across Phnom Penh, drawing large crowds and celebrating everything from Cambodia’s cultural heritage to global storytelling.
The festival officially opened with a glittering ceremony at Chaktomuk Hall, where hundreds gathered in anticipation. For many visitors and film lovers from abroad, it was an extraordinary opportunity to immerse themselves in Cambodia’s powerful storytelling tradition and its dynamic role in global cinema.
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CIFF Director Cedric Eloy welcomed guests by emphasizing the festival’s mission to bridge Cambodia with its diaspora and the world. He highlighted Vakhim, a deeply moving documentary about a Cambodian-born man raised in Italy who returns to reconnect with his homeland. The presence of Vakhim Borra and his mother at the opening ceremony added an emotional layer to the evening, symbolizing the power of film to unite, heal, and rediscover identity.
Marking 50 years since the Khmer Rouge’s rise to power, CIFF curated a poignant retrospective featuring 15 films and events reflecting on this dark chapter in Cambodian history. The inclusion of these works resonated deeply with international audiences, many of whom were introduced to the resilience and strength of the Cambodian people for the first time through cinema.
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This year’s festival themes, Women’s Stories from the World and Waters of Life, gave prominence to female voices and environmental consciousness. CIFF Goodwill Ambassador Sophy Odom captivated the audience with her personal story of transformation—from refugee to advocate—and emphasized the power of storytelling to inspire change. Her announcement of plans to build the first Cambodian Genocide Memorial outside of Cambodia, in Australia, was met with heartfelt applause.
The emotional highs continued with Victoria Bousis, director of Stay Alive My Son, who spoke about her decade-long love affair with Cambodia and how the memoir by Yathay Pin shaped her understanding of the country’s enduring strength. “This is more than a commemoration,” she said. “It’s a homecoming.”
Beyond Phnom Penh
The festival’s reach extended to Siem Reap, Battambang, and Kep West, where additional screenings were planned, showcasing the growing popularity of cinema as a medium for both tourism and cultural diplomacy.
For the expat community and international visitors, the 14th CIFF was not just a film festival—it was an unforgettable cultural experience and a testament to Cambodia’s emerging role on the global cinematic stage. From deeply personal documentaries to environmental storytelling and traditional retrospectives, CIFF proved once again that Cambodia has stories the world is ready to hear.
In a city often praised for its street food and temple tours, this cinematic celebration offered something refreshingly different: a front-row seat to Cambodia’s soul.
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Author: Tom Starkey
Tom Starkey is an International Development graduate from Sussex University with 12-years of experience across 4 continents, Tom's goal is that he wants to showcase his love for Cambodia, where he lives, works and now happily calls home.
