Cinemata Partners with Chaktomuk Short Film Festival for Its 15th Edition

Cambodia's longest-running short film festival celebrates 15 years with 90 selected films, a new provincial screening tour, and opportunities to connect Cambodian and international cinema with wider audiences.

Cinemata is pleased to announce its partnership with the Chaktomuk Short Film Festival (CSFF) as the festival celebrates its 15th edition from October 30 to November 2, 2026, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, followed by provincial screenings through December.

Organised by the Sunflower Film Alliance, a volunteer-run collective of young Cambodian filmmakers, CSFF has grown from a small youth initiative in 2012 into an important platform for emerging filmmakers, independent cinema, and cultural exchange in Cambodia.

This year, the festival received 380 submissions from 33 countries, selecting 90 short films, including 40 Cambodian productions and 50 international titles. Spanning fiction, documentary, and animation, the selection brings together emerging voices and diverse perspectives from Cambodia and beyond.

Continuing the partnership with Cinemata

Cinemata and CSFF share a commitment to supporting independent filmmakers and expanding opportunities for films to reach audiences across the Asia-Pacific.

Building on their previous collaboration, Cinemata and CSFF are renewing their partnership for the festival's 15th edition, with plans to extend the festival's reach through an online screening programme featuring selected films. More details will be announced soon.

For Cinemata, this collaboration reflects our commitment to supporting the continued circulation of independent and socially engaged films beyond individual festivals and screenings. It also recognises the important role of local film organisations in nurturing filmmakers, building audiences, and sustaining spaces for cultural exchange.

Fifteen years of supporting short cinema

For 15 years, CSFF has created opportunities for Cambodian filmmakers to present their work, connect with audiences, and participate in regional and international film communities.

The 2026 international selection features films from Asia, Europe, and other regions, organised into six programme sections: World Cinema Panorama 1, World Cinema Competition, AI Films, Asian Panorama, World Cinema Panorama 2, and Documentary Program.

Reflecting on the festival's growth, CSFF Festival Director Sum Sithen shared:

"Reaching our 15th edition with 90 selected films, 40 from Cambodia and 50 from around the world, shows how far this festival has come since a small group of volunteers started it in 2012."

Beyond presenting films, CSFF continues to support young filmmakers through its volunteer-led organising model and collaborations with film schools, universities, and cultural partners.

Bringing the festival beyond Phnom Penh

For the first time, CSFF will extend its screenings beyond Cambodia's capital through a provincial tour to Battambang, Siem Reap, and Kep between November and December 2026.

The expansion creates opportunities for audiences outside Phnom Penh to encounter the festival's selection and participate in conversations around Cambodian and international cinema.

By bringing films into different cities and communities, CSFF continues to create spaces where filmmakers and audiences can meet, exchange perspectives, and strengthen connections around cinema.

Join the 15th Chaktomuk Short Film Festival

The 15th Chaktomuk Short Film Festival takes place in Phnom Penh from October 30 to November 2, 2026, followed by screenings in Battambang, Siem Reap, and Kep through December.

Admission to festival screenings is free, with voluntary contributions welcome.

Explore the festival's official selection, screening announcements, and further updates through the CSFF website and Facebook page.

Cinemata looks forward to supporting this year's celebration of Cambodian and Asia-Pacific short cinema, and continuing its collaboration with CSFF.