Filmmakers Fly to Hong Kong

By Mariam Arthur

Members of the Film Cambodia Organization delegation to Hong Kong Filmart (r to l), Ms. Cecile Malterre, Ms. Mariam Arthur, Mr. In Sophin, Mr. Hou Remy, Ms. Sar Kessara and wife of Mr. In Sophin.

PHNOM PENH-- The Film Cambodia Organization (FCO), is leading a delegation of Khmer film producers to the international market called Filmart in Hong Kong.

"It is essential for producers to understand how to sell their films internationally before they make movies, because choices for the production depend on the market," said Ms. Sor Thida, FCO president. "This is why we decided to organize the delegation."

The Hong Kong Filmart has attracted international buyers and sellers of films for 22 years. It is the largest film market in Asia and third in the world only behind the American Film Market (AFM) and Cannes (Marche du Film).

Kessara Productions owner, Ms. Sar Kessara, who produced the recent hit "Rosa 5," said she is excited to learn more about the film industry. "I have been making films for a long time, but it is harder now to make money. I want to learn how to make films that will sell internationally."

Cambodia has only 38 modern screens across the country, with Legend Cinema being the first to open at City Mall in 2011. Now there are 6 cinema chains, including Major Cineplex, Prime Cineplex Cinema, Baray Andet Cinema, Ek Phnom Cinema and the French Institute. Over the last 7 years, there have been a few blockbusters like "Arp Wears Helmet," "Gems on the Run," "Jailbreak," and most recently, "The Witch."

"Khmer filmmakers absolutely have the skills and equipment to make films which can be sold to the international market," said Ms. Mariam Arthur, chair of the committee of the Cambodia Oscar Selection Committee, a function of FCO. "They just need to learn how the system works and what buyers are looking for."

In order to make the trip possible for delegates, Lanmei Airlines agreed to sponsor a discounted fare. The Hong Kong Trade Development Council, organizer of Filmart, has also provided benefits for the delegation.

"This is a special opportunity and I couldn't pass it up," Mr. In Sophin, owner of Mohahang Productions said. "I am bringing some of my actors, so they can also learn from the experience."

Mr. Hou Remy explained that he chose to join the delegation because, “my job as a producer, not just at CTN, but for my own purposes to expand the film industry in Cambodia. I want to find a way to be able to see what other markets are doing in terms of their films and think about how I can make Cambodian films to reach their market.”

“I will see if I can find a distributor that will be able to pick up Cambodian films, so that way the value of our film industry can grow,” added Mr. Remy. “Right now, we have a certain problem with the budget, but if we can sell Cambodian films outside... if we can raise the value of our industry, that means that we can have better content - better movies, better acting, better locations, better sound - all of these will help to add value to the Cambodian film industry.”

The delegation will depart on Sunday, 18 March 2018, and also includes Mr. In Mean, Ms. Cecile Malterre, Ms. Phin Sodalis, Mr. Phem Daravibol and Mr. Lim Chealy. Mr. Allan Cheung with the Association of Filmmakers of Cambodia, also a committee of FCO, is a member of the delegation, but will join in Hong Kong.

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For further information, please contact Ms. Mariam Arthur, 012 54 30 74 or mariam.ann.arthur@gmail.com