The 13th Cambodia International Film Festival (CIFF) kicked off on Tuesday with the premiere of Chris G. Parkhurst's Elvis of Cambodia at the Chaktomuk Theatre. The opening ceremony was attended by several hundred stars, journalists, celebrities and film fans, and above all many curious onlookers eager to discover the first documentary entirely devoted to the 70s legend: Sin Sisamouth.
Despite the torrential rains that fell on the site for the opening night, stars and influencers were on hand for the traditional selfies and photo sessions in front of the giant festival sign. The ever-present festival director Cédric Eloy and his team managed to deliver a colourful, smiling and emotional opening every year. Emotion, of course, with the much-anticipated documentary on Sisamouth, Elvis of Cambodia, especially with the presence of his widow and several members of the Cambodian crooner's family who have come to see the most famous of Cambodian singers captured on film. Chris G Parkhurst, the director of Elvis of Cambodia, confessed on this occasion that creating a film was a complex and highly collaborative effort. The filmmaker began filming his subject ten years ago and says it was always his dream to present his documentary here at the Chaktomuk Theatre - and now his dream has come true:
"Cambodia and its people have left an indelible mark on my soul. This film is my way of giving back to a country that has given me so much.”
Speeches
Cédric Eloy was the first to take the floor in front of a packed house, and he thanked his dedicated team, his invaluable partners and sponsors, as well as "the devoted volunteers who have all sacrificed their time to make this 13th edition of the festival a reality".
"I would like to extend my warmest thanks to all the Cambodian filmmakers who are presenting their latest works this week, as well as all the international filmmakers who have made the trip to Cambodia - some of them discovering Asia for the first time! We are fortunate to welcome you and to be your host. We hope that throughout your stay with us in the Kingdom of Cambodia, you will experience rich and unforgettable moments with the Cambodian people while enjoying CIFF."
The Film Festival Director then highlighted a programme offering a rich selection of films from Cambodia, Australia, France, the United States, India and elsewhere, highlighting this year's special programmes, such as LIFE LONG LEARNING and ROADS TO OLYMPIA, designed to inspire Cambodian youth, encouraging them to pursue their dreams through education, hard work and dedication, without expecting immediate success.
He also emphasised:
"CIFF is not just about passively watching films - most of us do that at home with Netflix. A true festival celebrates creative individuals and encourages interaction with the minds behind the films, inspiring other artists to unleash their creativity. While tonight's gala may light up your Instagram with its red carpet, I invite you to delve deeper and discover remarkable films and filmmakers that deserve attention and will resonate deeply within you."
According to Eloy, making a film is not just a craft, it's a heroic pursuit. Films are timeless because they have the power to convey visions, cultures, eras, emotions and ideas. "Films capture a moment in time and transform it into a tangible link between people and generations. Films made today contribute to our collective heritage, forging a shared narrative that defines nations".
He went on to point out that the CIFF was created in 2010 in collaboration with the Cambodian Film Commission, at a time when the Cambodian cinematographic landscape was underdeveloped, and that it has continued to evolve over the years. "Today, Cambodia could draw inspiration from countries that have achieved global renown through substantial investment in their creative industries. With effective coordination between the public and private sectors, Cambodia can pave the way to success. Just ten years ago, Cambodian cinema received its first Oscar nomination in 2014, marking a pivotal moment of hope for our industry".
Speaking at the film's opening, the Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, H.E. Phoeurng Sackona, said that CIFF was a meeting place full of creative energy "where filmmakers from all over the world can exchange ideas and experiences, and which offers a valuable platform for young Cambodians to broaden their perspectives thanks to a varied selection of films from all over the world". The Minister went on to stress that over the past decade, "the Cambodian film industry has developed considerably, overcoming difficulties and achieving milestones that make us proud".
"The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, along with our dedicated producers and industry professionals, have been instrumental in the advancement of our film productions. Their commitment ensures that our films meet national standards and enhance the quality of the Cambodian film industry. As a result, some forty foreign productions have been shot in Cambodia, which has considerably increased foreign exchange earnings," she concluded.
Screening
Many people were awaiting the screening of the documentary, and it was a religious silence, heavy with emotion, that preceded the first images of this biography. And the reactions matched the tribute paid to the Khmer pop icon. Carla Alves, a trainee journalist who was discovering Sin Sisamouth for the first time, said: "Recognition, respect, liberation:
"Recognition, respect, liberation... This is what I felt after having had the chance to watch this documentary, a cinematographic work for the Khmer people, for Cambodia, made possible with the Cambodians themselves, in honour of one of the Kingdom's golden voices. Nearly fifty years after his cruel death, his voice and his story still resonate and will continue to shine throughout the Kingdom and far beyond", she confided.
For Julia Pasquier-Desvignes, a young Frenchwoman living in the kingdom and a film fan:
"The documentary "Elvis of Cambodia" is a wonderful tribute to Sinn Sisamouth and his family. We learn a lot about his life journey, from his birth to his tragic end in the Khmer Rouge camps. Between laughter and tears, the film takes us to the four corners of Cambodia, alternating between shots of Phnom Penh, Battambang and the verdant countryside of Kampong Thom province. We are lulled throughout by the songs of Sinn Sisamouth, which are so dear to the hearts of Cambodians (I could hear Cambodians in the audience singing along to the lyrics). The best part for me was the magnificent live performance by Sin Sisamouth's granddaughter at the end of the screening, covering one of her grandfather's key songs. It was an emotional moment of rare intensity".
Industry
According to the Department of Cinema and Cultural Diffusion, the Kingdom's film industry made a positive contribution to economic development and job creation in 2023. Around four million cinema-goers generated nearly US$15 million in revenue. The industry also created around 7,000 jobs.
All screenings and other festival events are free and take place at major cinemas and other venues in Phnom Penh, including Legend Cinemas, Major Cineplex, IFC, Bophana centre, Rosewood Hotel Phnom Penh, Cambodia-Japan Cooperation centre (CJCC) and Fable Cinema, providing a diverse and inclusive range of platforms for film lovers and creators.
Admission to all CIFF screenings is free and tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets will be available one hour before each screening from the CIFF box office on site.