CTFF 2025 press release
2025 marks the 50th year remembrance of the takeover of Cambodia by the Khmer Rouge in 1975 and the start of the Cambodian Genocide (1975-1979). By honoring the past, educating the present, and inspiring the future, this year’s Cambodia Town Film Festival (CTFF) strives to ensure that the strength, resilience, and creativity of the Cambodian people continue to shine in Long Beach and around the world. It is a time to honor lives lost, support healing, build community, and celebrate cultural resilience through the arts and cinema.
Our festival will commence with the opening reception, “Reatrey Rumduol,” on Friday night, September 12th, 2025. This lively event will feature music, dancing, and delicious food.
On Saturday, September 13th, the festival screening kicks off with the highly anticipated Long Beach premiere of critically acclaimed film “Meeting with Pol Pot,” followed by a conversation with writer, journalist, and filmmaker Elizabeth Becker. Other Saturday films include “Chasing Cambodia,” directed by Kyle Jonas and Ben Saunders, and the Oscar-winning “The Killing Fields” (1984) directed by Roland Joffé.
The day also features a unique writers’ panel titled “Beyond Trauma Narratives: Modern Khmer American Writing,” featuring authors Sanary Phen, Samphors Chhun, and Pichchenda Bao, moderated by Christine Su.
On Sunday, September 14th, our lineup includes impactful films such as “Vakhim,”directed by Francesca Pirani; “Loot,” directed by Don Millar, and a collection of mini masterpieces in our “Shorts Corner” including “Grandma Nai Who Played Favorites,” “Have I Swallowed Your Dreams,” “Red Moon,” “The Healing Circle,” “It Would Be Foolish to Make Art with Eyes Closed,” and “Chasing Redemption.” The festival will close with the celebrated feature film “The Harvest,” a Hmong family drama directed by Caylee So.
Audiences will have the opportunity to experience “Stay Alive My Son,” an epic, immersive, and mythical cinematic experience directed by Victoria Bousis. This VR short film places viewers in the shoes of a father faced with a gut-wrenching decision to abandon his son to survive, offering a profound perspective on love, loss, and resilience. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP
Additionally, there will also be a community event: Cambodia’s Lost Children: Introducing the Reconnecting Cambodia Project – a humanitarian DNA-led family finding service, reuniting families and restoring hope.
With national and international filmmakers in attendance, and some panels moderated by acclaimed podcast DEATH IN CAMBODIA and OG YOLK, we look forward to honoring history, fostering dialogue, and celebrating cultural resilience through these powerful stories. Join us to reflect, learn, and be inspired.
All tickets and event reservations to Cambodia Town Film Festival can be found here: CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS
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