Cambodia-France co-prod treaty paves way for new film

Cambodia and France have signed a co-production agreement to facilitate collaboration between the film industries of both countries.

By Alexandra Zeevalkink 11 Dec 2013

Cambodia-France co-prod treaty paves way for new film

Cambodia and France signed a co-production agreement last week, making it easier for the film industries of both countries to collaborate on future projects.

The arrangement allows Cambodian investors to become “a major stakeholder in international films” to which they contribute a minimum of 10% of the funding, according to Cambodia’s Phoeung Sakona, minister of culture and fine arts, as reported in the Phnom Penh Post.

Speaking at the Cambodia International Film Festival, Sakona also said the new arrangement could pave the way for a new adaptation of François Bizot’s memoir The Gate: the author’s harrowing account of being the sole Westerner to survive imprisonment by the Khmer Rouge.

French filmmaker Régis Wargnier, who directed the 1992 film Indochine with Catherine Deneuve, will direct the movie, which is set to begin filming in January. French-Cambodian director Rithy Panh is also said to be involved in the production.

Speaking to the Phnom Penh Post, the Cambodia Film Commission’s CEO, Cedric Eloy, praised the new agreement, saying the treaty gives Cambodia input in the content, artistic side and technical sides of films.

“It will give hope to filmmakers here not to make projects that are based only on this small market but to have projects that are universal and can be interesting to other countries.”

Speaking at the Cambodia International Film Festival, Sakona also said the new arrangement could pave the way for a new adaptation of François Bizot’s memoir The Gate: the author’s harrowing account of being the sole Westerner to survive imprisonment by the Khmer Rouge.

French filmmaker Régis Wargnier, who directed the 1992 film Indochine with Catherine Deneuve, will direct the movie, which is set to begin filming in January. French-Cambodian director Rithy Panh is also said to be involved in the production.

Speaking to the Phnom Penh Post, the Cambodia Film Commission’s CEO, Cedric Eloy, praised the new agreement, saying the treaty gives Cambodia input in the content, artistic side and technical sides of films.

“It will give hope to filmmakers here not to make projects that are based only on this small market but to have projects that are universal and can be interesting to other countries.”

Latest news & features

Promote your services with KFTV

Choose from three profile types - Basic, Silver and Gold

Create Profile

We offer a range of display advertising opportunities.

Learn More