Sithen Sum and the SFO: Tending the seedlings of the Cambodian film industry 

This week Khmer Nights had a sit down with one of Cambodia’s most accomplished TV and film industry pioneers, Sithen Sum. We asked him about his life in Khmer Cinema and his feelings about the impact his career has had on the industry.

Sithen has produced such highly acclaimed films as Koh Ker: The Last Wonder (2014), the Pram Ang Anthology (2014-2016) and Let’s Document Cambodia (2019). Additionally he also heads the marketing department of DancingRains, a production company he co-founded with two partners in 2020. That company is focussed on expanding the horizons of Cambodian cinema ny increasing its exposure to international markets. The venture now serves as a gateway to added value for Cambodian filmmakers.

It is his role as the founder and director of the Sunflower Film Organisation (SFO) that may well be his lasting legacy. The SFO is the team behind the extremely popular Chaktomuk Short Film Festival as well as FilmCamp, an intensive workshop for young people passionate about film production.  

The organisation works closely with youth across the Kingdom through its youth division, the Sunflower Film Alliance (SFA). The SFA team is primarily made up of volunteers who encourage young Cambodians interested in the industry by training them in the use of film as a tool for empowerment and freedom of expression. The SFA’s long-term goal is to smooth the way for Cambodia’s film industry being able to compete on the world stage.

Sithen Sum from director to producer to mentor and advocate

Says Sithen, “I’ve been actively involved in the film industry since 2009 when I attended a special class conducted by French-Cambodian filmmaker, Davy Chou. His teachings encouraged me to create an experimental feature called “Twin Diamonds”. From there, I and other young film advocates from across the Kingdom came up with the idea to found the SFA, [which] is passionate about making short films and organizing film-related events. 

Back then, the organisation was known as ‘Kon Khmer Koun Khmer’ (Cambodian Kids. Cambodian Films.), or ‘4K’ for short. 4K went on to create the “Chaktomuk Short Film Festival” in 2012 to provide other young filmmakers with the same opportunity to showcase their first-time works. 

In 2017, most of the 4K members went off on their different professional paths, so I joined hands with a new generation of filmmakers, most of whom [had been] involved in 4K’s activities. This is when we decided to re-name our organisation the Sunflower Film Alliance. We received our registration from the Interior Ministry in 2019. 

In the early years, I was hesitant to become a director or a producer. Only after I co-directed a short thriller called ‘The Lock’ in 2012, [did] I realise my acumen was geared more towards project management, both operationally and commercially. Ever since then I have sharpened myself as a producer of short films and have gone on to produce or co-produce around 50 short films across a variety of genres, mostly on behalf of companies and organisations. Most [of those] addressed rural issues and personal freedoms.”

The SFO has taken monumental strides in cultivating a grassroots film industry and has done so solely through Sithen and his colleagues’ initiative, determination, generosity and good will.

A passion-driven industry grown by people with energy equal to the task

When asked about his personal motivations, Sithen said his enthusiasm for the film industry is borne purely from innate passion.

“There are things you like doing only once in a while and get bored of. Then there are things you can’t stop doing as they give you more joy and personal worth than you could ever need. I tried other things along the way but nothing else beats my heart as enthusiastically as film production. 

What I also discovered later down the line in my professional development was that this line of work matches my personal interest and passion as I love growing and developing people. If I can succeed in my film endeavours, so can they!”

Sithen and the SFO’s work is crucial to the development of a Cambodian film industry that currently lacks the resources to truly compete with foreign exports.  This was evidenced by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Art’s report on film production. That report found there is a deficit in human resources including scriptwriters and producers here and stated that training courses were needed urgently to keep teh sector moving ahead. 

Fortunately, Sithen and the SFO recognise this need and have expressed a long-term commitment to providing solutions that drive exposure while maintaining authenticity and relevance to Khmer audiences.

Knowing exactly where you are keeps the path clear and goal in sight

Sithen adds, “I feel my work is important here as Cambodia has no proper film school and I believe hands-on film training will pave the way for Cambodian youth towards promising film careers. And I could be managing a future, full-fledged film school in the next several years given enough resources!”

Cambodian cinema is indeed slowly becoming better represented on the global film map, with more and more Khmer filmmakers gaining recognition on the international stage. Efforts must be made to ensure those works still connect with local audiences. 

Sithen agrees, saying, “Filmmakers are free to express their creativity but should keep in mind their audience. What we have done at SFO is to bridge the gaps between Cambodian young filmmakers and their local audiences.” 

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