Culture accessible to all
The Cambodia International Film Festival (CIFF) serves as a true showcase for Cambodian cinema, aiming to promote the arts, creativity, and the country’s rich cultural heritage. It also helps raise Cambodia’s profile as an emerging film destination, attracting professionals and enthusiasts from around the world. In an effort to make culture accessible to all, the 2026 edition is continuing a flagship initiative: free admission to all screenings and events. This policy, which has been well-received by the public, was already implemented in previous editions.To attend the screenings, simply show up at the venue: tickets are available one hour before each screening.
Tribute to Cambodian Cinema
Among the highlights of this year’s festival is a tribute to director Uong Kan Thouk, who passed away in May 2025 and was an iconic figure during the golden age of Cambodian cinema. She is known for her successful romantic films. Unfortunately, much of her work was lost during the Khmer Rouge regime.Three of her restored films, with English subtitles, will be screened as special screenings:
- Muoy Meun Alay (1970)
- havary Meas Bang (1969)
- The Time to Cry (1972)
A focus on Francophone cinema and a spotlight on the environment
The CIFF stands out for its eclectic program, which combines feature films, documentaries, short films, and animated films. Each year, the event attracts international talent, with nearly 40 countries represented, demonstrating its global reach.The 2026 edition gives special attention to French-language cinema, in anticipation of the 2026 Francophonie Summit scheduled for November in Cambodia.
Top of the bill is Prince Norodom Sihanouk’s film La Joie de Vivre. This intimate work marks a shift in his filmography, moving away from his early productions focused on promoting Khmer culture. Another major theme is “Beautiful Planet”, dedicated to environmental issues, notably featuring Taira Malaney’s Turtle Walker.
This documentary traces the journey of a man who has dedicated his life to protecting sea turtles, a species threatened by pollution, coastal industrialization, and poaching.
The film has been highly successful at international festivals and has won seven awards, notably in the categories of Best Environmental Film and Best International Film. Young audiences aren’t being forgotten, thanks to the CIFF for Family program, which features a selection of about ten screenings tailored for children.
Among them, Tiny Little Journey by Jinwoo Lee (2025)—winner of the “Star of Festival” Audience Award at the 2025 Seoul Indie-AniFest promises to charm viewers of all ages. View the full program on the official website: https://cambodiaiff.com