Lead actress, Meng Zi Yi (left) plays Yi Sa in the drama series. Hong Yi (right) plays Zong Hang, the male protagonist. Supplied
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001), starring Angelina Jolie, brought global attention to Cambodia, thanks to the stunning scenes filmed at Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm.
The action-packed adventure followed Lara Croft as she battled mystical forces within the temples, showcasing the country's rich history and breathtaking ruins.
The Hollywood spotlight helped boost tourism, cementing Cambodia as a must-visit destination for travellers worldwide.
Prime Minister Hun Manet’s recent push for “film tourism” takes inspiration from the success of Tomb Raider, which helped put Cambodia on the global map.
Angelina Jolie at Ta Prohm Temple in a scene from Tomb Raider, shot in 2001. Film Nerd FB
A tour guide who spoke with Manet shared that he had asked numerous international tourists how they first heard about Cambodia and what influenced their decision to visit.
According to him, many replied that they discovered Cambodia through Tomb Raider.
During a visit to Siem Reap in September 2024, the Prime Minister unveiled plans to offer film crews special packages for popular filming locations like Angkor Archaeological Park.
These packages will include discounted ticket prices, along with additional incentives once filming is completed.
“Film productions will benefit from package rates rather than individual fees, and we are offering incentives to encourage them to film here,” explained the prime minister.
Action from the Siem Reap set of Three Lines of Reincarnation. Supplied
The release of the Chinese drama Three Lines of Reincarnation, filmed in iconic locations across Cambodia, is poised to once again boost the country’s reputation as a prime destination for film tourism.
The drama’s production recently wrapped up scenes in the iconic city of Siem Reap presents an exciting opportunity for Cambodia to showcase its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes to a global audience, particularly in China, where the film’s stars have a massive online following.
Set in remarkable locations such as the Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, Pub Street, and the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat, Three Lines of Reincarnation is an important milestone for the Cambodian tourism and film industries.
The drama’s wide reach on Chinese digital platforms will introduce millions of viewers to Cambodia’s unique landscapes, from the ancient glories of the iconic Angkor Wat Temple to the sparkling modernity of the Angkor International Airport.
An experienced Chinese crew shoot a scene from the highly anticipated drama series. Supplied
The story follows Zong Hang (portrayed by Wang Hong Yi), an ordinary man whose adventure uncovers ancient myths, secretive factions and the enigmas of the Mekong River.
Accompanying him is Yi Sa (played by Meng Zi Yi), a woman with a deep connection to the river’s mysteries and Cambodia’s cultural legacy.
With a collective fan base of over 30 million on Weibo, the film is set to captivate a large audience in China and beyond.
Pok Borak, director of the Department of Film and Cultural Diffusion at the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, emphasised how international film projects like this play a critical role in raising Cambodia’s profile as a tourism destination.
“By showcasing our landmarks in a high-profile Chinese drama, we’re bringing Cambodia’s majestic heritage to a wider audience,” he said.
Lead actress Meng Zi Yi posted several iconic landmarks to her social media. She has almost 250K followers on Instagram. Supplied
He pointed out that such films can significantly influence travel choices, particularly among Chinese tourists who often visit places they see in the media.
This collaboration not only aims to attract tourists but also marks a major step toward making Cambodia an attractive location for foreign filmmakers.
Borak highlighted the government's commitment to facilitating film productions by simplifying the permit process and enhancing the country’s infrastructure for international productions.
"We are working to ensure that Cambodia remains a welcoming place for filmmakers by improving both our human resources and logistical support," he added.
In an effort to streamline the process further, the government introduced new guidelines for film permits in November 2024.
These guidelines include a five-day review period for TV series, documentaries, and commercials, and a 15-day review period for feature films.
Once permits are granted, local authorities will facilitate the filming process, without the need for additional script reviews.
The culture ministry has also standardised pricing for state-owned locations, making the process easier for filmmakers.
With these changes, Cambodia is strengthening its position as a competitive filming location, aiming to attract productions from not only China but also global markets.
