(Phnom Penh): Indonesian films have been ranked as the third most screened films in Cambodian cinemas, following Hollywood and local Cambodian productions, according to Santo Darmosumarto, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Indonesia to the Kingdom of Cambodia.
The ambassador made the remarks during the Indonesian Film Screening event titled “Indonesia on Screen-Boundless Love” held at Legend Cinema-Olympia on Thursday (Feb. 12).
Citing data from Cambodia’s Department of Cinema and Cultural Diffusion, Ambassador stated that in 2025, Indonesian movies secured third place in total screenings in Cambodian theaters.
He noted that while Cambodian audiences are widely familiar with Indonesian horror films, the screening aimed to highlight the diversity and artistic richness of Indonesia’s film industry.
“We want to show that Indonesia’s film industry is rich and diverse. We hope that by seeing Indonesian movies, Cambodians will have a better picture of life in our country and that this experience will encourage greater opportunities for cooperation,” he said.
Boundless Love, released in 2019, is a romantic drama co-produced by Indonesia and China. Supported by Indonesia’s Creative Economy Agency, Red and White China, and PT Kamala Media Cipta, the film demonstrates the potential of international partnerships in the creative industry.
Speaking at the event, Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts of the Kingdom of Cambodia, emphasized that cultural exchanges such as film screenings serve as a vivid expression of the close and friendly relations between Cambodia and Indonesia.
She noted that Cambodia’s cinema sector has shown encouraging recovery and growth in recent years, with a steady increase in the number of films screened and audience attendance since 2022. Films from ASEAN countries, including Indonesia, have experienced rising public interest, reflecting Cambodian audiences’ growing appreciation for regional stories that share common cultural values and human experiences.
The minister further highlighted four key priorities for future cooperation between Cambodia and Indonesia in the film sector: promoting regular film exchanges and festival participation; encouraging co-productions and collaboration among filmmakers, strengthening capacity building through training and exchanges for young talents, and enhancing cooperation in distribution and market access to reach wider ASEAN and international audiences.
She described the Indonesian Film Screening as more than a cultural event, calling it “a symbol of friendship, partnership, and shared vision” between the two countries, and reaffirmed that cinema remains a powerful cultural bridge promoting dialogue, mutual respect, and regional harmony.
Attended by around 250 participants from the diplomatic community, creative industries, and universities, the event reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening people-to-people ties and expanding cultural cooperation with Cambodia.
=FRESH NEWS
