:: The CAMBOFEST Blog ::

A Brief Comparison of CamboFest, Cambodia Film Festival and Bangkok IndieFest (Thailand)

2011-12-11T00:05:00.000-08:00

In the intervening period between the 3^rd and 4^th editions of CamboFest, Cambodia Film Festival (from 2009 to 2011) the CamboFest festival director established an independent film festival in neighboring Bangkok, the Bangkok IndieFest.

The production of an independent film festival event in Thailand with a similar style and approach as CamboFest, but in the more developed Thai environment, offers some useful and interesting observations and comparisons:

During production of the CamboFest, a highly variable and arbitrary degree of intervention occurred on the part of the Cambodian government, with specific requests to observe and approve media. In the Thai context, with regards to the Bangkok IndieFest, no engagement with the Thai government was openly required.

The only explicit requirement in the Thai context, articulated through unofficial channels (in this case, through Bangkok IndieFest Thai production staff and a U.S. embassy sponsor in Bangkok) was the absolute necessity to observe respect with regard to the King and Royal family – i.e., no media content could be presented that would diminish or negatively portray the King or Royal family.

The 3^rd edition of the CamboFest event sustained significant interference by foreigners (expatriates) whose core business operations were based on the organized exploitation of motion picture IP through unlicensed (“pirate”) cinema exhibition.

No such interference occurred in the Thai context, insofar that exploitation of motion picture IP by foreigners, with the level of organization and persistence present in the Cambodian environment, does not observably exist. At the time of the launch of Bangkok IndieFest, here were no foreigner-operated non-diligent venues in Bangkok (or Thai-operated ones either) which might be a source of any pro-filmmaker backlash in the Thai environment.

Organized promotion and exploitation of motion picture titles in Thailand occur in legal, licensed venues, such as SF Cinemas, the Major complexes, or RCA House Cinema, with licensing of titles actually specifying Thailand as a designated territory in deal memos (versus 3^rd party, non-Cambodia territory ‘’grey area” usages of big screen Hollywood films which is present in today’s Cambodian context)

In general, the relationship of foreigners to each sovereign state (Cambodia and Thailand) are different due to their greatly varied historical and cultural backgrounds; it is arguable that the Thai view of foreign expatriates has been influenced by the lack of a historical colonial presence, versus its neighbors, including Cambodia, in former Indochina.

The role of foreigners in either society is beyond the scope of this report but it’s observable that tolerances and freedoms granted to foreigners in either society are markedly different.

On a practical level, it’s much easier for a foreigner to secure a long term visa to stay in Cambodia, versus securing a long term visa to stay in Thailand.

CamboFest/Bangkok IndieFest founder Jason Rosette simultaneously maintained one-year multi entry visas for both Cambodia and Thailand in order to produce both festival events in their different stages of production (simultaneously), during the overlapping period following the conclusion of the 3^rd edition of CamboFest, needing to travel back and forth with great frequency to manage both events in their various states of production.

The Thai visa required sponsorship by a Thai-based company and a host of background materials; the Cambodian visa requires only that a foreign guest continues to pay.

It’s likely that the lack of any ‘filtering effect’ due to a lax visa process in Cambodia allows a more varied demographic of visitors to reside there for the long term, bringing with them a ‘colored’ range of unusual and nonconventional behavioral aspects (i.e., hoax ads placed in local newspapers to disrupt government approved events) that may not otherwise be present in guests who would be more selectively invited to reside in another sovereign state.

The Thai film industry, and therefore the Thai film festival environment, is more fully developed than that in Cambodia, with many of the key festival efforts helmed by Thai nationals. On the other hand, the number of festival events in Cambodia is limited, and they are typically foreign run & founded. In the Cambodian context, a significant degree of jostling and rivalry is observable (more so than in the Thai context) with different foreign actors seeking dominant exposure in the limited press and among the cultural awareness of residents in Cambodia.

With the famous abundance and density of non-governmental organizations in Cambodia (versus Thailand), many of the film festival events in the Cambodian context are in some capacity extensions of foreign state or non-state agencies, or NGOs, with CamboFest being the only definitively non-aligned (independent) effort currently operating in Cambodia.

Accordingly, most festival platforms in Cambodia are likely to bear financial and political linkages to their patron agencies, with agendas and media content reflecting this factor.

CAMBOFEST, Cambodia Film Festival travels to New York City and beyond

2011-11-20T16:32:00.000-08:00

CAMBOFEST (www.cambofest.com), Cambodia's first international film festival event since the end of the Khmer Rouge regime - established in 2007 - celebrates its half-decade mark with a screening of shorts from its recent 4th edition in Manhattan, New York City in December.

CamboFest later continues its US tour with a stop in Los Angeles and other cities before moving on to Canada, Mexico, and other global host venues.

The Manhattan event, hosted by New Filmmakers (New York), brings a list of short titles from parts of the world where film and festival culture is still emerging, including shorts from Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and other countries.

New York City dates: December 6, 2011

Venue: Anthology Film Archives, 32 2nd Avenue, New York, NY

CamboFest program starts at 7PM

Established in 2007, CamboFest is Cambodia's most diligent cinema exhibition platform, seeking and securing written, verifiable permissions from all copyright holders, with over 250 filmmakers participating to date.

CamboFest has recently launched an international booking component, bringing select international titles to regional SE Asia screens while bringing SE Asian titles to venues around the world.

CamboFest is seeking additional global host venues for its traveling festival component - interested filmmakers, sales agents, and potential host venues please contact below

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

CamboFest, Cambodia Film Festival

info@cambofest.com * www.facebook.com/CAMBOFEST

PO Box 707 Phnom Penh, Cambodia

CamboFest T-Shirts Available @ CD WORLD in Phnom Penh

2011-11-01T17:17:00.000-07:00

CamboFest, Cambodia's film festival T-Shirts are once again in stock at CD WORLD on street 178 (near the riverside) in Phnom Penh; international orders, email info@cambofest.com with inquiries.

...Design as seen here; Current colors available: Dayglo Green (L), Yello (L), and Orange (M)

Grabay Meas (Golden Buffalo) Winners of the 4th Edition of CAMBOFEST, Cambodia Film Festival

2011-07-01T22:57:00.000-07:00

After much deliberation, and weighing the inputs of local audiences and participants in Cambodia, the Winners of the Grabay Meas (Golden Waterbuffalo) Awards for the 4th Edition of CamboFest, Cambodia Film Festival are as follows:

Feature Fiction - 'Dark Souls', Dir. Ceasar Ducasse

Short/Medium Fiction - 'Lights', Dir. Giulio Ricciarelli

Feature Documentary - 'Salaam Rugby', Dir. Faramarz Beheshti

Short/Medium Documentary - 'Ayla My Korean Daughter', Dir. Byung Hun Hwang

Universal Language - 'Extincion II', Dir. Fernando Uson Fornies

Animation Only - 'For a Fistful of Snow', Dir. Julien Ezri

Cambodia Movie Showcase - 'Good Luck for You Every Day', Dir. Raul Gallego Abellan and Marc Martinez

Very Short Movie - 'Natural Plastic', Dir. Faiyaz Jafri

Edutainment/Social Issue - 'Pain is Temporary, Pride is Forever' Dir., Josh Lee

Thanks to all filmmakers and moviegoers for their participation!

(Filmmakers listed above please contact info@cambofest.com for further details)

German TV Segment CamboFest, Cambodia Film Festival 4th Edition

2011-05-24T18:03:00.000-07:00

...as seen here:

CamboFest 4 Wraps * Plans for the Future

2011-03-13T00:21:00.000-08:00

CamboFest 4 has wrapped despite a last minute change of venue ~ thanks to all participating filmmakers, contributors, the YAHRD Youth Group, and guests!

Regarding our plans for future editions of CamboFest: in light of chronic variances in the Cambodian media environment and government approvals process which have proven to be significant obstacles to the production of a 'normal' festival process and project, we are currently considering the best way to undertake our indie film festival in the very challenging developing Cambodian context.

In summary, we're considering adopting a bi-annual or multi-annual format (as do numerous other festival efforts in the developing world).

Such a change in format takes into consideration an assessment that the Cambodian motion picture exhibition sector may require another 10-20 years to develop to the point where independent, lower-budgeted film festival efforts are able to exist viably through a streamlined, codified, government approvals process.

Another option may be to transform the event into a 'Television' festival, which could fall under the guidance of the Cambodian Ministry of Information, which is reputed to be more supportive, favorable and cooperative with regard to some media efforts than the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts.

Additional options include a variation or spin-off of the event (i.e., 'Son of CamboFest') to be produced by the YAHRD Youth Group in Kampot, who have now been duly and adequately trained - via their experience at the CamboFest 4th edition - to run a basic, grass roots festival version of CamboFest or similar event of their own production.

Finally, selections from CamboFest (or the entire, ongoing CamboFest festival program) may be included as a sidebar showcase at affiliated regional events, such as the Bangkok IndieFest - www.bangkokfest.com

Please check the CamboFest website at www.cambofest.com, and the Facebook page at:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/CamboFest-Cambodias-First-Indie-Film-Festival-est-2007/107388979332096 for further news, developments, and updates.

Stay tuned for the announcement of the winners of the Grabay Meas ('Golden Waterbuffalo') awards, coming soon ~ all the Best!

J Rosette, Phun Sokunthearith, & the CamboFest Team

CAMBOFEST, Cambodia's indie film festival (est. 2007)

www.cambofest.com

Training the YAHRD Youth Association in Kampot, Cambodia to operate gear for the CamboFest 4.0 (www.cambofest.com

2011-02-26T04:52:00.000-08:00

Training the YAHRD Youth Association in Kampot, Cambodia to operate gear for the CamboFest 4.0 (www.cambofest.com); thanks to individual contributors who made the gear purchase possible for them!

...now just have to deal with unexpected last minute 'surprise' changes in the approvals process suddenly required by the Cambodian Ministry in Phnom Penh (vs local Kampot-only governor's approvals which were acceptable for the 2009 Edition...wah, wah, wahhhhhhh)

Southeast Asia Backbacker Mag gives CAMBOFEST a Shoutout

2011-01-27T23:37:00.001-08:00

CAMBOFEST welcomes all backpackers, flashpackers - even the Green Bay Packers

(listing below in Southeast Asia Backpacker, underneath the Laos festival...)

CamboFest 4th Edition (March 1-9) in the Phnom Penh Post

2011-01-23T03:04:00.000-08:00

Some new coverage, thanks to the Phnom Penh Post [a jpeg of a PDF]

Lineup for CAMBOFEST 4th Edition (March 1-9 2011)

2011-01-10T20:16:00.000-08:00

The lineup for the 4th year of CAMBOFEST, Cambodia film festival

is now available online:

(note: the lineup will be updated on an ongoing basis - schedule & other details coming later!)

Public Lineup Ongoing CFEST 4.0

CAMBOFEST, Cambodia uncovers another vintage pre-Khmer rouge cinema house

2010-11-13T17:50:00.000-08:00

CAMBOFEST, Cambodia uncovers another vintage pre-Khmer rouge cinema house

Here for the first time, CAMBOFEST, Cambodia (www.cambofest.com) staff present on mobile phone video one of the four original cinemas in Kampot, Cambodia.

=> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEndbWYFTFA

Only three of the four original pre-Khmer Rouge era cinema houses remain in Kampot: the 'Maraka', the 'Royal' (re-discovered and brought back to life for the 2009 edition of CamboFest)

...and this one, formerly known as the __________________, to be unveiled for use as a possible venue at the 4.0 edition of CAMBOFEST: film and Video Festival of Cambodia.

Despite a grass-roots budget and largely volunteer staff, CamboFest surprised UNESCO and others in the Cambodian context by re-discovering and bringing back to life the vintage 'Royal' cinema for its 2009 edition (as seen in our blog at => cambofest.blogspot.com )

Founded by media producer and filmmaker Jason Rosette in 2553 (2007), CamboFest is the longest running international movie event in Cambodia.

Please consider making a contribution to our efforts as we help bring a living cinema back to Cambodia - find out more at:

http://www.cambofest.com/contribute/contribute.html

CAMBOFEST: Film and Video Festival of Cambodia

http://www.cambofest.com

Cambodian filmmaker Yvon Hem receives his Grabay Meas ('Golden Waterbuffalo') trophy from CAMBOFEST, Cambodia

2010-10-18T03:37:00.000-07:00

Photo of legendary Cambodian filmmaker Yvon Hem with the Grabay Meas ('Golden Waterbuffalo') trophy for his film, 'Shadow of Darkness', which screened at CamboFest (www.cambofest.com) 3.0 2553/2009 Edition.

Trophies from last year were delayed, in part, due to the interference by Phnom-Penh based foreign movie pirates in the previous edition of CamboFest (www.cambofest.com), Cambodia's independent movie festival, now entering its 4th season.

...nonetheless, winning filmmakers like Yvon Hem were never forgotten, and all winning filmmakers have now received their awards*!

Yvon Hem is currently also attached as co-writer to FREEDOM DEAL, the 3rd feature by Camerado director Jason Rosette (seated left in photo).

Find more information about FREEDOM DEAL here--> http://www.camerado.com/freedomdeal

Screening Submissions Underway

2010-10-07T00:02:00.000-07:00

Getting close to the end of the call for submissions for the 4.0 edition of CamboFest (ending November 1), and now starting to screen in earnest - some great work, very diverse crop of movies this year.

More info later, but stay tuned at the CamboFest website at http://www.cambofest.com for updates!

:: Stills, Video, and Other Content from CAMBOFEST 2009 ::

2009-12-08T22:57:00.000-08:00

(The 'CamboFest Story' can be found Here on the Camerado Blog)

CamboFest pre-show intro video (above) which also
thanks all our sponsors and supporters - see video

CamboFest was held this year (our 3rd), in the vintage 'Royal' cinema house in Kampot, Cambodia, a pre-Khmer Rouge era Cambodian cinema hall which we brought back to life especially for CamboFest 2009. Not even longtime local foreigners living in Kampot realized that the 'Royal' had once been a cinema house; CamboFest staff stumbled upon it by accident while scouting another vintage venue nearby.

Listen to BBC Radio discussing this year's CAMBOFEST and the Cambodian Cinema industry today

Hi-Rez stills and video of CAMBOFEST 2009 available at
CITIZENSIDE

Scores have been tabulated for winners of Grabay Meas ('Golden Buffalo') awards

Stills in the series below by top Phnom Penh photographer,

Simon Toffanello of Monsoon Pictures

To cross-reference movie stills against schedule and description, pls see the PDF of schedule and lineup here (pls note that schedule changed at the end of the last day due to technical reasons regarding "All that She Wants', with 'Hill City' and 'SlipDream' filling in)

From 'Slipdream', a CamboFest 2007 favorite, which played as a "Best of CamboFest" selection (screening out of competition due to schedule change)

From 'Hill City' screening as a short before 'SlipDream'

(also screening out of competition due to last minute schedule change)

Filmmaker John Trinh ('Agent Orange: 30 Years later'), in town for his screening at CamboFest

From 'Death in Charge'

From 'Schritt fur Schritt'

From 'Sky in December'

From 'Survive'

Staffer Narith Hoo engaging in Cambodian-style promotion: with leaflets and loudspeaker (see 'Behind the Scenes' video, elsewhere on this blog, to watch him in action)

Tomas, editor of 'Schritt for Schritt' (left) delivering a package of info regarding short German films to CamboFest founder Jason Rosette (right)

(End of Monsoon Pictures Series; this has been a selection, there are several additional stills of each screening taken by top Phnom Penh photographer, Simon Toffanello- pls contact info@cambofest.com for hi-rez stills and other uses)

Additional stills and behind the scenes coverage from CAMBOFEST staff and volunteers:

(...contrary to some local rumors which were flying around, we obtained all permissions well in advance from various local Sangkat offices and the Kampot authorities - above)

Take a look behind the scenes at CAMBOFEST 2009 (video, above)

Visiting UK/Taiwan based filmmaker Leigh Rodgers ("In Transit") talks about his film and his experiences at CamboFest 2009

Filmmaker Ilya Batuev ('Guided by Spirit') en route with us from Phnom Penh to Kampot

Climbing the rafters of the old 'Royal' cinema to set up the screen

Setting up the screen, custom made to fit the 'Royal' (but suitable for other venues - contact CamboFest at info@cambofest.com for local rental inquiries) - lack of rental houses and equipment infrastructure makes improvisation an essential part of CamboFest

Ambient light situation due to 'Royal's' damaged roof necessitated the use of this 7000 + lumen projector, courtesy the US Embassy in Phnom Penh.

Testing the gear with a live audience...

Suong Sambath (left) and Mr. Tol (right) - essential staff who learned on the job in current and previous editions of CamboFest

Mr. Tol sets up an info booth at a nearby Guesthouse...

CamboFest 2007 Grabay Meas award winner, Harri Anenden, (' The Cathedral') in town
all the way from Mauritius

Hanging out at a Cambodian roast-beef restaurant after the show -
visiting filmmaker James Speck is at the left

Celebrating a successful launch of year 3 of CAMBOFEST, Cambodia's only currently functioning annual international movie festival. Note the use of radios, which allowed us to bypass interference caused by 3rd party foreign pranksters. The presumed intention was to tie up our phone lines via fake classified ads placed in local web forums, etc.

Taking a break in between films...

Typical evening audience at Cambofest 2009, sitting on ubiquitous Cambodian-style plastic chairs. Daytime crowds tended to be thinner due to lack of air con and other factors; attendance was also boosted in any case by a large group of Vietnamese university students, visiting from Raffles International college in Ho Chi Minh city (showing up in their army of Tuk Tuks especially for CamboFest)

From 'The Playground'

Unsure of this one...

Filmmaker Leigh Rodgers, visiting from the UK especially for CamboFest 2009, introduces his extremely likeable movie, "In Transit". (See a video with Leigh earlier in this blog)

From 'Netherworld', which drew nearly all curious Cambodian viewers

Various onesheets and support materials sent in by filmmakers...

From 'Sky in December'

Cambodian animator Chuunly Poy, winner of the Grabay Meas award in the 2007 edition of CamboFest, at local roast beef restaurant after the show.

These guests had started travelling in Mongolia, and were only planning to be in Cambodia a few days - but they still stuck around for most of CamboFest! Apparently Narith had gotten to them with his megaphone moto.

Tomas (editor of 'Schritt fur Schritt), left, visiting from Germany to rep his film; Cambodian animator Panith Norm and CamboFest staffer Narith Hoo next to him.

Monsoon Pictures photographer Simon Toffanello and his gal Mum, down from Phnom Penh for the weekend to catch some flicks (and shoot some stills) at CamboFest 2009.

Mr. Tol takes a well-earned nap between shows

Visiting feline creeps across the rafters of the old 'Royal' cinema, and below

From 'Neil Reinu'

From 'Revenge of the Nail'

From 'Milking the Rhino'

Volunteers David (in green), and Koala (in doorway), materialized from nowhere to help throughout the fest

Illya Batuev and local Kampot movie fan after the show

Panith Norm, left, CamboFest's Jason Rosette (center), and Leigh Rodgers (right)

From 'Lumia'; lack of aircon on this day in particular had some impact on the first session show, but diehard fans still came to watch this very unique doc.

Visiting filmmaker John Trinh (left) and CamboFest's J Rosette at a great breakfast and lunch hangout, the "year 2000 restaurant*" (* real name unknown)

Legendary Cambodian filmmaker Yvon Hem's 'Shadow of Darkness brought in a great crossover audience of local Khmer and foreigners; although we charged an admission fee per session, we made things as affordable as we could. Local women seated in the back paid in banannas (which came in handy for busy staff)

From 'Shadow of Darkness'; a quick phone call with the filmmaker before the screening welcomed all guests to this one-of-a-kind movie, one of the first features to be made in Cambodia following the Pol Pot regime.

From 'Survive', filmmaker Roshane Saidnatter's compelling documentary - and the first Cambodian film to be nominated for a 'Best of' award at the annual Asia Pacific Screen Awards (see www.asiapacificscreenawards.com) ; movie was submitted by CamboFest as an organization repping Cambodia with the APSA.

Panith Norm's 'Mosquito in Dreaming' , below

From "Netherworld'

From 'Up and About Again' - the snow-covered car mesmerized local Cambodian viewers

'Massacrator' evoked responses of all kinds...

From 'Urban Knots'

From 'Transylvania Timber'

Filmmaker Roshane Saidnatter, visiting from France for the Cambodian premiere of her striking docu, 'Surviveand , with CamboFest's Jason Rosette

Filmmakers Leigh Rodgers, visiting from Taiwan, and John Trinh on the right, visiting from the USA

S. Korean punk flick, 'Bangham Staion' plays before a welcoming audience - movie was well received, scoring well with the audience during our surveys to determine winners of the Grabay Meas ("Golden Buffalo")

Filmmaker John Trinh (left), Mr. Tol, two moviegoers from South Africa, and filmmaker Ilya Batuev

Update: we're optioning the CamboFest story to a New York City, USA, based publisher about our experiences putting together a film festival out here in the Cambodian context. No title yet, but will include everything: the good, the bad, the ugly, and the whole 3-year adventure in detail. Look out for all the juiciest (and sometimes controversial) bits which took place behind the scenes during the course of this season's CamboFest...

Anyway, hope you enjoyed the blog and feel free to email us at info@cambofest.com with any inquiries.

All the Best,

The CAMBOFEST Team

http://www.cambofest.com

CamboFest Concludes! * Now Tabulating Audience Picks * Pix, Video & More Coming Soon

2009-12-08T05:08:00.000-08:00

Pls standby - now tabulating ballots for audience's choice to determine winners of Grabay Meas ("Golden Buffalo") awards.

Announcement to be made in a day or two...

...plenty of pix, video, and other content from CAMBOFEST 2009 coming soon!

CAMBOFEST: Film & Video Festival of Cambodia
http://www.cambofest.com

:: CAMBOFEST 2009: Film & Video Festival of Cambodia 3rd Edition - December 4-6 in Kampot, Cambodia ::

2009-12-01T21:24:00.001-08:00

CAMBOFEST: Film and Video Festival of Cambodia - Cambodia's only functioning international movie festival - kicks off its 3rd year on the lovely South coast of Cambodia in Kampot (near Kep and Sihanoukville)

Movies will screen in the vintage, pre-Khmer Rouge era cinema , the 'Royal'

See schedules in English and Khmer here-->

http://www.camerado.com/cambofest_assets/CAMBOFEST_2009.pdf

Find out more info at:

CAMBOFEST
http://www.cambofest.co

*** CAMBOFEST 2009 Lineup and Royal Cinema Hall ***

2009-11-19T20:18:00.000-08:00

////////////////////////// +++ ////////////////////////// >>>

CAMBOFEST: Film and Video Festival of Cambodia 2009 >>Lineup Announcement & a vintage Cambodian cinema house comes back to life for this year's fest!

////////////////////////// +++ ////////////////////////// >>>

CAMBOFEST: Film and Video Festival of Cambodia – Cambodia’s international, independent film festival, enters its 3^rd season with a lineup of great new movies from around the world (including Cambodia!)

Click here for the current lineup; schedules, maps, and other info TBA:

http://www.camerado.com/cambofest_assets/CAMBOFEST_2009.pdf

Movies this year are slated to screen in the colonial coastal & riverside town of Kampot, Cambodia at the vintage *Royal Cinema*.

Complete schedule and other information to be posted soon @

CAMBOFEST ~ http://www.cambofest.com

A REBIRTH OF CINEMA IN CAMBODIA

CamboFest staff stumbled upon the Royal while scouting for other pre-Khmer Rouge cinema halls in Kampot for this year’s festival. Built in the 1950’s, the Royal experienced its heyday in the mid 60’s before being shut down as a result of civil war and conflict, which culminated in Cambodia’s takeover by the Khmer Rouge regime.

The Royal with current proprietor, in Kampot, Cambodia (c) CamboFest

During the conflict, the Royal had its roof and a wall blown out, and it remained sadly dormant as an active movie hall.

The Khmer Rouge era was brought to a halt by a military intervention from neighboring Vietnam in 1978, who occupied the country until the late 80’s.

In 1985, the Royal sputtered to life again, offering a fare of Indian, Chinese, and Cambodian movies screened from video cassette.

As stability and prosperity increased, however, many residents found the means to purchase VHS players and TV sets, and attendance at the Royal gradually dwindled until 1988 - when the theater was once again shuttered.

Until now...until CamboFest 2009!

While the Royal is still in rough shape (it won’t be what you'd find at Cannes), it will be one of the most unique cinema environments you might find anywhere. We invite you to participate in the rebirth of a Cambodian cinema house from the ashes of its former self.

BE A PART OF IT!

*** PLEASE help us to make this year’s event at the Royal a key moment in the Asian cinema experience! ***

CAMBOFEST is not a well-financed film society - we're just a bunch of grass-roots film lovers in Cambodia who teach on the side while producing CamboFest, Cambodia's only functioning international movie festival. While we do aim to grow the festival in the coming years, and we did conduct a fundraiser earlier this year, we’re operating under extremely challenging conditions in a developing country which still has a very minimal cinema infrastructure.

We are therefore still very much budget-challenged and could use any assistance - in-kind or otherwise - even at this late hour.

Besides the ever-useful cash contribution* to help us, for instance, pay for accommodations for visiting filmmakers we also need to upgrade our AV gear.

[ *Contributions can be made tax-deductibly for US taxpayers through our fiscal sponsor, Media Alliance @ http://media-alliance.stores.yahoo.net/restoolandte.html

...or via our secured gateway @ https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=5452718 ]

As mentioned, the roof of the Royal still has a few holes from the Khmer Rouge era, from (letting in ambient light) and in order to properly utilize the space we would like to upgrade to a 3500+ lumens, high contrast projector and a higher performance, more reflectant screen surface.

If anyone would like to sponsor these items, on loan or as a gift, you can help make a visible and significant difference in this historic revival of the Royal cinema at CamboFest.

Anyway, here’s the lineup for CAMBOFEST 2009 (subject to changes of course)

http://www.camerado.com/cambofest_assets/CAMBOFEST_2009.pdf

Thanks to anyone who wants to be a part of augmenting this unique cinematic experience – drop us a line at info@cambofest.com with any sponsorship ideas, or travel and festival inquiries.

Sok Sabai!

The CFEST Team

www.cambofest.com

CAMBOFEST: Film and Video Festival of Cambodia

PO Box 707

12000 Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Attn: J Rosette & Mr. Phun Sokuunthearith

Mobile # 855 011 736 206

CAMBOFEST is a grass roots, private sector initiative, produced by Camerado (www.camerado.com); 501 (c) 3 Fiscal sponsorship provided by Media Alliance -@ http://media-alliance.stores.yahoo.net/restoolandte.html

:: CamboFest 2009 to be held in Kampot ::

2009-08-27T23:24:00.000-07:00

This Just In:

CamboFest 2009 Edition - year 3 - to be held in Kampot, Cambodia on Cambodia's South Coast

(Venues TBA shortly, check back at the CamboFest website)

2009-07-23T22:27:00.000-07:00

:: Submit to 2 Fests in SE Asia for One Fee ::

We're happy to announce that CamboFest [Cambodia] & the newly launched Bangkok IndieFest [Thailand] are now enabling filmmakers to submit to both fests for one entry fee--

* Feature and Short Docs
* Social Issue and Edutainment
* Features, Shorts, Animation & More

CamboFest continues to accept submissions through the end of September, and Bangkok IndieFest officially announces its call for entries at the beginning of August - but filmmakers are able to access the "2 Fests / One Fee" special now by visiting the submissions page on the CamboFest website:

http://www.cambofest.com/submit/submit.html

:::::: :::::: ::::: :::::

CAMBOFEST (Now in year 3) --> www.cambofest.com
BANGKOK INDIEFEST (*new*) --> www.bangkokfest.com

Grabay Meas ("Golden Buffalo") in Paris!

2009-07-14T22:28:00.000-07:00

CAMBOFEST 2008 Grabay Meas ("Golden Buffalo") winner Barbier Olivier [Intestines of the Earth] with the Grabay Meas at the Eiffel Tower in Paris...

Pix of Tim Pek ["Red Sense"], 2008 CamboFest Grabay Meas / Golden Buffalo Winner

2009-07-11T05:45:00.001-07:00

Tim Pek was the winner of the Grabay Meas (Golden Buffalo) award for
Local Showcase - Movie by a Cambodian filmmaker with his psycho-horror drama,
"The Red Sense"

CAMBOFEST is still accepting entries for the 2009 edition through the end of September, and is pleased to be the submitting organization for the 2009 Asia Pacific Screen Awards--Cambodian filmmakers living in Cambodia and abroad submit for **FREE** (and will be considered for both CAMBOFEST and the APSA)

SUBMIT A FILM @ http://www.cambofest.com

Seeking Cambodian Films & Videos for CAMBOFEST 2009 and Asia Pacific Screen Awards

2009-06-26T04:17:00.000-07:00

Seeking Cambodian Films & Videos for CAMBOFEST 2009

*** CamboFest to nominate Cambodian & Cambodian-themed films for 2009 Asia Pacific Screen Awards ***

CAMBOFEST: Film, Video and Animation festival of Cambodia (http://www.cambofest.com) today announced its appointment as the Official Submission Organization for Cambodia for the 2009 Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA).

CamboFest was invited by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF) and APSA to submit eligible films from the Cambodia for consideration in the second annual awards, to be held in Queensland, Australia, on November 11.

The agreement between CamboFest and APSA will facilitate long term cultural and creative exchange and development of professional business partnerships; to that end, CamboFest and APSA have collaborated to showcase cinematic achievements from Cambodian filmmakers and industry professionals to an international audience.

CamboFest welcomes further Cambodian film submissions for consideration in both the 2009 edition of CamboFest and the 2009 APSA*; please find more information at http://www.cambofest.com. [*Further eligibility details are below / No submission fee for Cambodian films]

2008 APSA feature nominees from Cambodia included: "Seasons of Migration" by Sophiline Cheam Shapiro, John Bishop, and John Shapiro; "The Red Sense" by Tim Pek [Winner of the 2008 Grabay Meas "Golden Buffalo" Award.

CONDITIONS OF ELIGIBILITY

First public screening

* Films must have had their first public screening (World Premiere) after August 1, 2008

Eligible public screenings include:

* Cinema/Theatrical release
* FIAPF Accredited Film Festival screening
* National film festival screening from the Asia-Pacific region
* Broadcast on free to air, cable or satellite television (Documentaries ONLY)

Nationality / Country of birth

* Films submitted or invited to be considered for the Asia Pacific Screen Awards must have been predominantly created in Cambodia and must reflect the cultural origins of the nominating country or countries in accordance with Section 6.

* The majority of cast/crew must have been born in Cambodia; hold a current passport from a Cambodia; or normally reside in Cambodia. (A point scoring system is outlined in The Test in Section 6 of the Charter Rules and Regulations which pertains to this criteria)

* AT LEAST ONE Producer or Co-Producer must be from Cambodia.

Running time

* Feature Films and Children’s Feature Films must be 60 minutes+ in duration.
* Documentary Feature Films and Animated Feature Films must be 40 minutes+ in duration.

Subtitles

All films must be presented in their original language and English subtitles are required for all entries not in the English language. All subtitling expenses are to be met by the film’s producer.

Please see http://www.cambofest.com for more information

CAMBOFEST 2008 Pix & Video (ongoing)

2009-01-08T20:55:00.000-08:00

The first batch of CAMBOFEST 2008 pix & video, which will be gradually captioned and organized in an ongoing fashion...

Any CamboFest visiting filmmakers who'd like to include content, pls email info@cambofest.com, it will be welcome!

All the Best,

JR
CAMBOFEST
http://www.cambofest.com

[Note: Angkorian temple pix by David Seaver Photography @ http://www.davidseaver.com]
==============================================>>>

Mr. Tol, Narith, and JRosette with the Golden Buffalo in an Angkorian temple on the final day of CamboFest 2008...

Taking a breather and reading the CamboFest program guide (in Khmer and English)...

Presenting the Golden Buffalo at XBar with CamboFest 2007 local showcase winner, Chuunly Poy ("Boy Drinking Bad Water")...Universal Language winner Norm Fassbender ("Not so Cruel Today") touches the Buffalo...

With Buffalo again...

Finalizing the list of winners in the Angkor temple...

Filmmaker Metrey Jaik ("Where the Lotus Blooms") forces Narith Hoo and CamboFest director J Rosette out the door at the end of the final day...

Shots of various movies screening with Khmer audience as well...CamboFest director J Rosette with filmmaker Metrey Jaik...fans from Finland's Midnight Sun Film Fest show off their CamboFest T-Shirts...

Support CamboFest with a purchase of a CAMBOFEST Tshirt (Large only - ships anywhere!)

Massive bicep flex for victory after third day of CamboFest wraps...

Late night at Xbar...

Chuunly Poy and animation partner-wife Koern Kolab discuss their latest movie...

Late night at FCC Angkor, venue "B"...

Back at Xbar: young curious Cambodian moviegoers...

FCC Angkor again...

Ray Leos recuperates from the flu by watching a healthy does of CamboFest flicks!

Filmmaker Jamie Cohen ("Barber of Kigali"), happy to be at CamboFest after his flight from Canada...

CamboFest's J Rosette with Park Sung Ho (and friend) of the Pusan International Film Festival...

Back at FCC, filmmaker Ella Pugliese ("I Gigantari") discussed her movie after an intro by Ray Leos...

Norm Fassbender, his producing partner Kate, and Ella Pugliese...Chuunly Puy with Mariam Arthur of Film Cambodia...

Norm and Chuunly Puy...

The backend of CamboFest: stacks of DVD screeners and staff back at the guesthouse...

More scenes of Xbar and FCC Angkor prepping for Cfest...

CamboFest founder J Rosette with fortune teller before commencing the first day...

Resting at the guesthouse...

CamboFest ads on ANZ Royal bank ATMs, just one of many methods of direct outreach & promotion of CamboFest 2008...

Other forms of outreach including web & radio spots, aired as far away as New York City:

http://www.cambofest.com/files/cambofest_15_second_spot.aif

=================VIDEO====================

...Flyering streets of Siem Reap

...more flyering and grass roots street team promotion

...even the roasted Bananna lady gets in on the action

...the old fortune teller prophesies our future; he says "you are still in uncertain times, like a boat which is between two shores..." Later he went on to say that success would be had in the end.

...Heading out to work the first day of CamboFest 2008

...Mr. Tol calls a local TV station to come over and cover CamboFest

...behind the scenes, in the guesthouse: preparing shirts, organizing disks, and taking a much needed breather.

..."Barber of Kigali" director James Cohen discusses his movie with a few moviegoers.

...more discussions

...on the road to the temple to finalize and announce the winners of Cambofest 2008

...James Cohen discusses the plight of indie filmmakers in the 21st century, in Canada and beyond.

~ Winners of the 2008 CamboFest Grabay Meas (Golden Buffalo) ~

2008-12-30T23:12:00.000-08:00

Winners are:

Feature Fiction.....FARKAS (Wolf) Directed by Tamas Toth [Hungary/Russian Federation]

Short Fiction...........REBEL SONG Directed by Simon Arthur [UK]

Feature Documentary..........A LIFE IN HASHISTAN Directed by Tonya Dreher [USA/Afghanistan]

Short Documentary.......INTESTINES OF THE EARTH Directed by Barbier Olivier [France]

Local Showcase.........THE RED SENSE Directed by Tim Pek [Cambodia/Australia]

Universal Language.......NOT SO CRUEL, TODAY Directed by Norm Fassbender [Canada]

Human Rights Showcase........RHAPSODIO DO ABSURDO Directed by Claudia Nunes [Brazil]

Animation Only.......ELEGY Directed by Shereen Abdul-Baki [Netherlands]

**Now accepting submissions for CAMBOFEST 2009**

Get more info on the CamboFest website at http://www.cambofest.com

Selections Made for CAMBOFEST 2008 / 2 Venues

2008-11-04T20:59:00.000-08:00

Selections have been made for CAMBOFEST 2008 in Siem Reap!

This year's CamboFest will take place from December 26th-28th in Siem Reap, CAMBODIA
at:

1) FCC Angkor - Docs, Art Flicks, Social Issue, and more
Pokambor Ave., next to the Royal Residence,
Siem Reap, Cambodia

2) ~ XBAR - Edgy and cutting edge features, shorts, animation, & experimental
Nº. 12, Sivatha Street
(Overlooking Bar Street)

Comeplete schedule, selections and more coming soon at

WWW.CAMBOFEST.COM

:: The CAMBOFEST Blog ::

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CAMBOFEST, Cambodia Film Festival travels to New York City and beyond

CamboFest T-Shirts Available @ CD WORLD in Phnom Penh

Grabay Meas (Golden Buffalo) Winners of the 4th Edition of CAMBOFEST, Cambodia Film Festival

German TV Segment CamboFest, Cambodia Film Festival 4th Edition

CamboFest 4 Wraps * Plans for the Future

Training the YAHRD Youth Association in Kampot, Cambodia to operate gear for the CamboFest 4.0 (www.cambofest.com

Southeast Asia Backbacker Mag gives CAMBOFEST a Shoutout

CamboFest 4th Edition (March 1-9) in the Phnom Penh Post

Lineup for CAMBOFEST 4th Edition (March 1-9 2011)

CAMBOFEST, Cambodia uncovers another vintage pre-Khmer rouge cinema house

CAMBOFEST, Cambodia uncovers another vintage pre-Khmer rouge cinema house

Cambodian filmmaker Yvon Hem receives his Grabay Meas ('Golden Waterbuffalo') trophy from CAMBOFEST, Cambodia

Screening Submissions Underway

:: Stills, Video, and Other Content from CAMBOFEST 2009 ::

CamboFest Concludes! * Now Tabulating Audience Picks * Pix, Video & More Coming Soon

:: CAMBOFEST 2009: Film & Video Festival of Cambodia 3rd Edition - December 4-6 in Kampot, Cambodia ::

CAMBOFEST: Film and Video Festival of Cambodia - Cambodia's only functioning international movie festival - kicks off its 3rd year on the lovely South coast of Cambodia in Kampot (near Kep and Sihanoukville)

*** CAMBOFEST 2009 Lineup and *Royal* Cinema Hall ***

:: CamboFest 2009 to be held in Kampot ::

Grabay Meas ("Golden Buffalo") in Paris!

Pix of Tim Pek ["Red Sense"], 2008 CamboFest Grabay Meas / Golden Buffalo Winner

Seeking Cambodian Films & Videos for CAMBOFEST 2009 and Asia Pacific Screen Awards

CAMBOFEST 2008 Pix & Video (ongoing)

~ Winners of the 2008 CamboFest Grabay Meas (Golden Buffalo) ~

Selections Made for CAMBOFEST 2008 / 2 Venues

*** CAMBOFEST 2009 Lineup and Royal Cinema Hall ***