Prime Minister Hun Sen has said The Son Under the Full Moon, the most expensive historical series ever produced in the Kingdom, will premier in March.

He and his wife Bun Rany met with the cast and crew on New Year’s Eve to learn about the progress of the show.

“The Son Under the Full Moon can be considered the most expensive drama in the history of Cambodia,” he said.

“The series will show the true modern history of Cambodia, and details the true-life story of my wife and I, who risked our lives to liberate the country from the genocidal regime of Pol Pot,” he added.

Huy Veasna, the lead scriptwriter on the project, said he had met with the prime minister on several occasions to receive recommendations on key scenes. Several pivotal moments were added to the film, thanks to the generous involvement of the prime minister.

“We began shooting in February last year, and have so far completed about 482 scenes – almost half of what we need. The production company and everyone involved with the project is working hard to make sure we do this true story the justice it deserves,” he added.

The prime minister reminded the producers and directors of the show to make sure they conducted thorough research on the key scenes and locations for the production, as well as the real life characters that the audience will get to know as they watch.

“I think most scenes should be filmed at the actual locations where the historic events took place, although I imagine some will be shot in a studio. I trust that the actors will all have a clear understanding of the truth that they are portraying. The whole plotline is the true history of the modern Cambodia,” he said.

During the meeting, Hun Sen wished the production team – and all of the actors and artists involved – success in wrapping the production by the March deadline, so the Cambodian people as well as the international community could learn about these important events.

There were originally 44 episodes planned, but the producers expanded this to 52 following recommendations on key scenes and characters from the prime minister.

The production team carefully selected 102 shooting locations in Kampong Thom, Kampong Cham, Tbong Khmum, Kampong Speu and Phnom Penh, decorating the sets and locations to accurately reflect the living conditions of the time when each scene is set.

Him Sotithya, secretary of state of the Ministry of Information and chairman of the film commission established to produce The Son Under the Full Moon, said they had cast 103 key actors and 500 extras, and used even larger crowds for battle scenes, demonstrations and large events.