Phnom Penh (FN), Aug. 24 – Twelve mini documentaries portraying various life stories in Cambodia, created by third-year students from the Department of Media and Communication (DMC) at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, were screened on Saturday morning (Aug. 24) at the Prime Cineplex in Samai Square.

The event, attended by nearly 300 people, was presided over by Ros Thansan, Secretary of State for the Ministry of Information, representing Neth Pheaktra, Minister of Information.

These twelve mini documentaries address a broad range of social issues, including crafts, arts, culture, history, education, the environment, women empowerment, persons with disabilities, indigenous groups, and other social topics.

The documentaries demonstrated the media students' skills and accomplishments after completing a six-month course in broadcast journalism and video production. The students engaged in research, on-site recording, data verification, information gathering, editing, and more.

DMC Head Ung Bun Y described the results of the third-year students: "Project Three 2024 continues to reflect the DMC curriculum, which integrates theory with research and practice to enhance the quality of students' learning. In the future, DMC will continue to collaborate with our partner institutions to fulfill its mission as a leading institution in training human resources in the field of professional media in Cambodia."

Kean Tak, Assistant Professor and Vice Rector of the Royal University of Phnom Penh, also expressed his support for the students' activities: "We encourage all departments, not just the DMC, to revive practical research by learning about the community and from those around us, so we can better serve the public good. Being a well-rounded individual in daily life means not only developing oneself but also supporting the development of those around us and society as a whole."

The production and screening process was funded by development partners, including the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Cambodia Foundation, Civil Peace Service of the GIZ, and Plan International Cambodia. Prime Cineplex provides the screening venue.

Jason Chumtong, Country Director of KAS Cambodia said that "I am very grateful to be part of this event today. It is a great opportunity to see Cambodia’s talent in narrating stories through pictures. KAS Cambodia is proud to support DMC’s Project Three. For you DMC students: I think it is a great opportunity and I’m very excited and very proud to see your vision on the screen. This is your moment, and I am pretty sure you, your friends and your families are very excited to see your talents!”

Manuel Erbenich, Program Coordinator Civil Peace Service of the GIZ, underscored that “My dear students, your documentaries and videos are very important. By sharing your stories, we will start reflecting and understanding each other better. We would start to listen and learn from each other. It will bring us closer, creating stronger bond between us, to jointly work toward our common goals of creating a more peaceful and just society.”

Yi Kimthan, Deputy Country Director for Plan International Cambodia, mentioned, "The videos created today reflect the realities of what is happening in Cambodia. For Plan International Cambodia, it is a pleasure to work with DMC, especially in providing support to help you apply what you have learned in school. We are committed to continuing this collaboration."

Ros Thansan, Secretary of State for the Ministry of Information, stated, "The Ministry encourages students from educational institutions, especially those in the field of broadcasting, as well as all professionals in information and audio-visual sectors, to continuously develop their professional skills. By fully leveraging the growing potential of technology, we can promote high-quality information dissemination, maintain competitiveness, and preserve our national identity. Achieving this requires all stakeholders to focus on developing human resources, enhancing technical skills and knowledge, producing quality work, and fostering awareness to protect and advance national interests through the dissemination of accurate and comprehensive information about Cambodia."

The twelve documentaries include Coding My Future; Green Shield; a Youthful Knot; Less to More; My Willingness, My Community; Elixir of Life; For Remembrance; Transferring Darkness through White Canvas; Spoken Theater; Indispensable Voice; Dream Crafts; and Sbai Maker.

Previous video of the Project Three can also be assessed via website https://dmc-cci.edu.kh/production/ or YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@dmccci/playlists
=FRESH NEWS