In a delightful turn of events, the 12th Chaktomuk Short Film Festival (CSFF) 2023 has decided to extend its final curtain call. Instead of wrapping up on July 15, the festival will roll its end credits on August 15, proffering an additional month of opportunity for creators to present their masterpieces.

The CSFF has truly become a buffet of short film varieties, providing a feast for the eyes. Sum Sithen, president of the CSFF, affirms that the festival welcomes an extensive range of short films, “From gripping fiction to insightful documentaries, from pulsating music videos to innovative animations, we accommodate them all, as long as they are no longer than a brisk 30-minute watch”.

Sithen has been an inexhaustible champion for film enthusiasts since 2009, through various workshops and the CSFF.

Explaining the festival’s selection process, he stated: “The process is conveniently bifurcated. First, we ensure the film complies with our terms. Second, our esteemed judge makes the ultimate decision”.

“We prefer films that are fresh off the reel, less than a year and a half old, and we have a soft spot for new producers,” Sithen told The Post.

Promoting cinematic camaraderie, Sithen has built connections with film festivals in Japan, China, and across Southeast Asia since 2019, fostering an enriching exchange of culture and collaboration between regional filmmakers.

But wait, there’s more. The festival introduces a scintillating challenge, offering creators the chance to vie for handsome local cash prizes, kindly sponsored by the Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF).

Prizes range from a grand $1,000 for the Best Short Film from Cambodia, $500 for the Second Best Short Film from Cambodia, and $300 each for the Audience Award for Local Short Films and the Top International Short Films, inviting global entries.

As the anticipation escalates and lenses are focused, filmmakers are prepared to display their infinite creativity and mingle with other creative souls from Cambodia and beyond.

The festival’s 12th edition has revamped itself, morphing from merely a platform to display short films, to an engaging event titled “Chaktomuk Film Exploration,” which features interactive presentations and enlightening Q&A sessions.

This evolved format aims to supply participants with practical know-how and experiences in the art of directing. The inaugural event was conducted by Sok Chanrado, the winner of the 2022 festival, who shared invaluable insights on directing a short story with an eager audience of over 20 participants.

In Sithen’s words: “Through this innovative format, we want our attendees to benefit from sharing experiences on directing and getting their hands dirty with practice”.

Sithen added: “It feels more like an intensive half-day directing workshop rather than a passive lecture”.

Sithen, who founded the Chhouk Roth Film Team in 2017 and the Chhouk Roth Film Organization or Sunflower Film Alliance in 2019, has been instrumental in encouraging Cambodian and indigenous youth to showcase their talents.

The Sunflower Film Organization (SFO), a certified non-profit organisation since March 2019, unites enthusiastic and proficient volunteers from across Cambodia, aged between 15 and 40, who share a passion for film.

The SFO strives to refresh its membership and leadership annually, providing a wider platform for young talent through the Chaktomuk Short Film Festival.

Sithen emphasised that producing short stories isn’t as daunting as it may seem. All that’s required are creative ideas and the right tools.

“This festival offers film lovers a golden opportunity to gain practical experience in directing,” Sithen said.

He beamed as he reported the success of “Chaktomuk Film Exploration”.

Sithen assured The Post: “This format has exceeded expectations, and we will certainly organise more such sessions next year to inspire participants to dive headfirst into the exciting world of filmmaking with guidance from our past winners”.

He then put out a call to action to filmmakers: “If you’ve recently produced a short film, rush to the festival. We’ve extended the deadline especially for our local producers who need some extra time to polish their masterpieces!”

Following the session, an elated Khum Thida, one of the trainees, shared her experience.

“I gained invaluable knowledge from the leaders and the hands-on shooting practice was a memory I’ll treasure,” she gushed.

Since its inception, the Chaktomuk Short Film Festival (CSFF) has been fortunate to receive substantial support from Cambodian Living Arts (CLA) via the Dam Dos: Everything about Cambodia Foundation, and more recently, the Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF).

These organisations have generously financed the local cash prizes and helped with operating expenses, including those from the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts and Apsara Media Services.

Furthermore, the CSFF is proactively pursuing additional financial backing to facilitate the organisation of programmes and promotional materials for directors, students, and the general public.

This funding will also bolster the festival team’s efforts to preserve the faith of their audience and other stakeholders.

After an anticipated deluge of short film submissions from both veteran and budding filmmakers, the CSFF team will undertake the arduous task of curating a diverse array of films in various categories for screening during the festival.

The panel of judges will then deliberate to choose the Best Film and the First Runner-up. The laureates of the Audience Award for Local Short Films and the Top International Short Films (inviting submissions from abroad) will be disclosed in due course.

To all the dreamers and storytellers in Phnom Penh and beyond, this is your chance to have your voice heard. Submit your short film at https://filmfreeway.com/CSFFor http://csff.co/submission/.

Join the creative melange of producers and connect with the bustling film community at the Chaktomuk Short Film Festival. Get ready to experience the magic of cinema unfold before your very eyes.