The second edition of the ‘Siem Reap Biennial of Francophone Cinema Festival’ took place on April 28 to May 1 at the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra resort.

The event was organised by the Alliance Française de Siem Reap and its president, Oum Sophea.

The festival featured thirteen films from ten Francophone countries, all of them screened free of charge at the Legend Heritage Walk cinema.

The festival showcased thirteen French language films from Europe, Asia, Africa and North America.

Kicking off the festival with a bang on Friday, April 28 was ‘Apsara’, a Cambodian cinema gem directed by His Majesty Norodom Sihanouk in 1966. The festival featured a remastered version of the original film.

Following the screening of ‘Apsara’, guests enjoyed a cocktail party held at Explorer’s Tales, Cambodia’s First Champagne Bar.

Senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tourism and the Senate travelled to Siem Reap for the opening ceremony at the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort under the Presidency of Her Majesty the Queen Mother Monineath Sihanouk, who was represented in person by His Royal Highness, Prince Thomico Sisowath. Other prominent members of the royal family were also in attendance.

Several VIPs were also present, including, Dr Chem Widhya, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and his wife; Chea Cheth, Senator and President of the Cambodia-Parliament Friendship Group of the Wallonia-Brussels Belgium Federation (PFWB); Choun Chey Sathia, Deputy Secretary General of NCCA & Director of Domestic Tourism; Lao Chhan, Senator & Member of the Education Committee; Mann Chheurn, Senator and Vice-President of the Commission of Education Youth, Sport and Cultur; Neb Samouth, Secretary of State Ministry of Tourism; Jacques Pelletand Ambassador of France to Cambodia and his wife; and Hang Peou, Director-General of the Apsara Authority.

The closing ceremony on May 1st featured ‘Le bleu du caftan’, followed by dinner and cocktails at the Embassy restaurant.

The biennial cinema festival in Siem Reap celebrates the diversity of international Francophone culture while also highlighting the rich heritage of Cambodian cinema.

Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra golf resort and spa was proud to support this noble festival.

Besides Apsara, other films featured at the festival included: ‘Ernest et Célestine’ directed by Julien Chheng and J.C. Roger; ‘Houria’ directed by Mounia Meddour; ‘Les Amandiers’ directed by Valeria and Bruni Tedeschi; ‘Noémie dit oui’ directed by Geneviève Albert; ‘Aya’ directed by Simon Coulibaly Gillard; ‘Plus que jamais’ directed by Emily Atef; ‘L’innocent’ directed by Louis Garel; ‘L’homme qui a vendu sa peau’ directed by Kaouther Ben Hania; ‘Last dance’ directed by Delphine Lehericey; ‘Retour à Séoul’ directed by David Chou; ‘Marcher sur l’eau’ directed by Aïssa Maïga; ‘L’ombre d’un mensongue’ directed by Tim Mielants and Bouli Lanners; ‘Le bleu du caftan’ directed by Maryam Touzani.

Alliance Française de Siem Reap is a cultural association that promotes Francophone culture in the historic and beautiful city of Siem Reap, Cambodia. The Alliance offers French language courses as well as a varied cultural programme throughout the year.