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Articles by Pann Rethea
2023 Indradevi Literary Competition accepting entries
The 2023 Indradevi Literary Competition for short stories and poems is now accepting applications until June 30, 2023. Kok Ros, director of the Department of Books and Reading of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, said that the entries are based on three main criteria including their message and its integrity, morality and virtue; the genre including the style, artistry and aesthetic; and its purpose such as demonstrating education, development or preservation of national identity.
Life Growth publisher shares secrets of success
Local publishing company Life Growth Bookhouse was established in 2012 and in just a ten year period it has managed to publish over 300 books by a wide range of authors. Brach Vichey, publisher at Life Growth Bookhouse, gave an interview to The Post about his business and how he's managed to maintain such a prolific output of new titles. What was your motivation or inspiration for founding a publishing company? Why the name Life Growth?
Nat’l Short Film Festival to run December 16-20
The 3rd National Short Film Festival, organised by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts’ Cinema and Cultural Diffusion Department, will take place from December 16-20. The five-day event features 35 short films from Cambodian filmmakers, which will be screened free to the public. Pok Borak, director department, said the festival aims to encourage young filmmakers, as the development of their abilities to innovate will contribute to the development of the national film industry.
Musician archives classic vinyl records
Keo Sinan, a former musician, has kept 401 vinyl records which date from the 1940’s to 1975 safe for more than 50 years. Recently, the 78-year-old told The Post about his last wish. For more than 20 years, he has dreamt of opening a small museum in his hometown in Baray district in Kampong Thom province, to display the music of the Kingdom’s “Golden era” for the next generation. Sinan was born in 1944 in Svay village of Baray commune and district, Kampong Thom province.
Rom Haey fall festival coming to Kampong Chhnang this month
Rom Haey fall festival coming to Kampong Chhnang this month An event to celebrate the autumn season (Rom Haey) is coming to Kampong Chhnang province this month. The event will feature traditional music and dance, kite flying, contemporary concerts, traditional rice pounding displays and a spectacular fireworks show.
Khmer ‘Golden Voice’ graphic novel arrives
Khmer ‘Golden Voice’ graphic novel arrives (From left) Ros Saboeun, Dy Saveth and Sin Setsochhata attend the Golden Voice: Khmer Edition graphic novel launch on November 30 at Bophana Centre.
Ninth ‘Cambodia Book Fair’ slated for December 9
The 9th Cambodia Book Fair will be held for three days from December 9-11 with the theme of “One Day to Read, One Day to Know” at the National Library. There will be hundreds of booths and nearly 1,000 companies from the publishing industry participating, according to Khlot Vibolla, director of the National Library of Cambodia, who spoke at a press conference on November 28.
Students design model homes in competition for Run Ta Ek village
A competition themed “Khmer Model House Design for “Run Ta Ek eco-village” in Siem Reap province’s Banteay Srei district – which has been allocated for those relocating from the protected Angkor Archaeological Park – is now underway with more than 100 students participating. Prime Ministter Hun Sen has announced plans to turn the now-deserted area into a town.
Chaktomuk Short Film Fest returns to cinemas
Chaktomuk Short Film Fest returns to cinemas The 2022 Chaktomuk Short Film Festival (CSFF) is to be held from November 25-28, with young filmmakers and the Kingdom’s movie buffs in attendance. PHOTO SUPPLIED Pann Rethea Phnom Penh Publication date 24 November 2022 | 20:05 ICT The 2022 Chaktomuk Short Film Festival (CSFF) is to be held from November 25-28, with young filmmakers and the Kingdom’s movie buffs in attendance.
Monks to turn Borobudur into tourist magnet
A delegation of Cambodian monks, led by the Venerable Lon Sokunthea, attended the International Buddhist Conference Indonesia (IBCI). The event – titled “Encountering the Sacred: Borobudur as a Site of Pilgrimage and Tourism for the Buddhist World” – was organised by the Association of Buddhist Colleges of Higher Learning, in collaboration with the Indonesian Ministry of Cults and Religious Affairs.
Kingdom’s scholars soar at Yale academic games
Cambodian high school students have demonstrated their impressive academic abilities at the World Scholar’s Cup 2022 Tournament of Champions. The Kingdom’s representatives secured 44 gold and 69 silver medals across several challenging competitions at the event, according to the travel consultants who organised the trip.
Arts festival returns to Battambang
Arts festival returns to Battambang A woman draws caricatures of passersby in Battambang town in 2019. PHOTO SUPPLIED Pann Rethea Phnom Penh Publication date 21 November 2022 | 19:58 ICT In less than a week, the centre of Battambang town will come alive with music, circus and dance performances, fashion shows and art exhibitions. After a two year delay brought on by Covid-19, the three-day event Chumnor Art Festival will make its triumphant return on November 25.
Buddhist Literature Awards accepting Khmer entries
Buddhist Literature Awards accepting Khmer entries Ton Chanrith won first place in the short story category at the Buddhist Literature Awards 2022. PHOTO SUPPLIED Pann Rethea Phnom Penh Publication date 20 November 2022 | 19:33 ICT The 6th Buddhist Literature Awards 2023 features the theme “Greed often leads to one’s downfall”. The Buddhist Institute has organised the competition in order to revive Khmer literature. It focuses on short stories and poems.
Village fair offers taste of ASEAN
Village fair offers taste of ASEAN The Cambodian Youth Assembly will organise the ASEAN Village Fair from November 25-27. PHOTO SUPPLIED Pann Rethea Phnom Penh Publication date 20 November 2022 | 19:37 ICT Following the success of the Cambodia-hosted 41st ASEAN Summit and related meetings, the Cambodian Youth Assembly have organised a special event which will bring together the art, culture and culinary traditions of all of the varied ASEAN member states.
RUPP awards high school essay winners
The Faculty of Education’s Department of Lifelong Learning at the state-run Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP) on November 15 held an award ceremony for its first essay competition. The ceremony was presided over by Samheng Boros, secretary of state for the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, and San Vathana, under-secretary of state for the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport and chairman of the RUPP board.
Theatre festival attracts youth troupes from 11 countries across Asia
Theatre festival attracts youth troupes from 11 countries across Asia The sixth Asian Youth Theatre Festival 2022 will run from November 24-27 in Siem Reap. PHOTO SUPPLIED Pann Rethea Phnom Penh Publication date 15 November 2022 | 20:35 ICT A group of young artists from 11 countries across Asia, including the Cambodian youth group who are hosting, will gather in Siem Reap on November 24-27 for the 6th Asian Youth Theatre Festival. The event is being organised by Khmer Art Action (KAA).
Indigenous Australian installation at Factory
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese inaugurated the immersive Walking through a Songline exhibition, held at The Factory Phnom Penh and organised by the Australian embassy to celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations with the Kingdom.
National Museum hosts ‘lost art’ exhibit
National Museum hosts ‘lost art’ exhibit The new exhibition will run for two weeks and features photos of artworks that have since been lost or destroyed. PHOTO SUPPLIED Pann Rethea Phnom Penh Publication date 15 November 2022 | 20:43 ICT The Department of Fine Arts and Handicrafts at the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts will hold a two-week exhibition of photographic archives of lost paintings.
PIN provides vocational skills to disabled people
People In Need (PIN) has collaborated with the Industrial Technical Institute (ITI) on the “Towards Inclusive Employment for People with Disabilities” project to offer the first full scholarships to people with disabilities in Phnom Penh to acquire technical skills that meet the needs of the employment market. Trainees with disabilities can choose to study electricity and air conditioning, computer repair and maintenance, and vehicle repair and maintenance.
500-artist heritage event set for Nov 26
A group of roughly 500 artists will be doing a large-scale cultural performance over the course of two days at the end of November in Phnom Penh called the “Great Lakhon Khol Show” to celebrate the fifth annual Heritage Day.
Ancient drama will debut at ASEAN festival
A Cambodian art group is rehearsing Mahabharata, an ancient drama, in preparation for their debut performance at the upcoming the ASEAN Unity for Peace Cultural Festival on November 10-11. Chhieng Chhordapheak, deputy director of the Department of Performing Arts, told The Post that the rehearsals were to ensure that the standard of the performance will be as high as possible, as it will be broadcast live on November 11, the second day of the event.
Epigraphist studies stone-etched past
Epigraphist studies stone-etched past Professor Hun Chhunteng carrying out his research into ancient Khmer inscriptions. Photo supplied Pann Rethea Phnom Penh Publication date 27 October 2022 | 20:09 ICT Khmer stone inscriptions are the precious lanterns that light the path for scholars of Khmer history. They are the primary source of information for the study of the centuries-old history of Cambodia, said professor Hun Chhunteng.
Epigraphist studies stone-etched past
Khmer stone inscriptions are the precious lanterns that light the path for scholars of Khmer history. They are the primary source of information for the study of the centuries-old history of Cambodia, said professor Hun Chhunteng. A research specialist and lecturer of ancient inscriptions, he has over 10 years experience in the field.
CCF’s Neeson wins int’l award in Malaysia for charity work
Scott Neeson, founder and executive director of the Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF), has received an international award in Malaysia for outstanding leadership and the work of his charity. He collected the CHT International Award 2022 at a special gala dinner celebration in Kuala Lumpur on October 22, according to Kate Ginn, executive director of communications at CCF.
Phnom Penh Photo Festival ‘still true to principles’
Phnom Penh Photo Festival ‘still true to principles’ Some 100 tuk-tuks will be employed at this year’s festival. Photo supplied Pann Rethea Phnom Penh Publication date 24 October 2022 | 20:28 ICT After 13 years, the Phnom Penh Photo Festival still adheres to the principle of being a platform for the exchange of experiences between European and Asian artists.
The winners of EnergyLab’s 2022 Clean Energy Awards annouced
AMK (MFI) and SOGE have won 2022 Clean Energy Champion Awards organised by EnergyLab after passing the last four qualifying rounds and beating out over 30 other participating companies. The awards are part of EnergyLab’s “Clean Energy Week”, held from October 20-27. Out Sokphalkun, engagement programme manager at Energy Lab told the Post at the launch of Clean Energy Week on October 23 that there are two winners; one is an individual award and a company award.
Nat’l Book Fair returning this December for ninth edition
Nat’l Book Fair returning this December for ninth edition Organisers met last week to get ready for the book fair. Photo supplied Pann Rethea Phnom Penh Publication date 23 October 2022 | 20:05 ICT This year’s 9th Cambodia Book Fair will be held from December 9 to 11, under the theme “One Day to Read, One Day to Know” in order to promote reading and writing, the publishing industry, by enabling writers and publishers the opportunity to sell their wares.
French institute showcasing KlapYaHandz filmography
The French Institute of Cambodia (IFC) is arranging film screenings and a discussion forum with multi-talented artist Sok Visal, the founder and director of the hip hop music label KlapYaHandz, from October 17-22. Also a rapper and filmmaker, Visal is on a mission to create cultural nurseries in Cambodia and develop the local creative scene.
Young documentary makers graduate Bophana Centre
Young documentary makers graduate Bophana Centre The 15 students who completed their training in documentary filmmaking at Bophana Centre. Bophana Centre Pann Rethea Phnom Penh Publication date 17 October 2022 | 20:27 ICT A year-long documentary film project called Visualising the Mekong run by the Bophana Centre has resulted in 17 documentaries being produced by a group of 15 youths working in Phnom Penh, Kandal and Strung Treng provinces.
Literary Fest set for Pursat on October 21
Literary Fest set for Pursat on October 21 So Phina (left), founder of the event, said at the pre-event gathering. Pann Rethea Phnom Penh Publication date 16 October 2022 | 20:01 ICT The 5th Khmer Literature Festival is set to take place on the campus of Pursat High School and other locations from October 21-23 in Pursat town, Pursat province, with the theme “Living Legacy of Literature”.
Room to Read Cambodia takes top UNESCO education prize
Room to Read Cambodia has been awarded one of two of this year’s $50,000 UNESCO Prizes for Girls’ and Women’s Education. The award was presented at the UNESCO headquarters, said So Dany, communications officer of the organisation. “This is for the first time that we have been awarded one of these prizes. On the evening of October 11, our programme manager and the technical director received the award from UNESCO in Paris, France,” she added.
Top physics students off to Japan
Top physics students off to Japan Outstanding physics students, Hour Thaily (left) and Mao Thalen, will head to Japan for the Sakura Science High School Programme. PHOTO SUPPLIED Pann Rethea Phnom Penh Publication date 13 October 2022 | 20:33 ICT Two education ministry officials Srouy Phanit and Sous Sovannarin will escort three outstanding physics students from grade 10 to Japan on October 16 for the Sakura Science High School Programme, run by the Japanese Science and Technology Agency.
Capital’s Wat Phnom a sacred icon sullied, local residents claim
Wat Phnom is defined as the heart of Phnom Penh. It’s a historical and cultural tourist site which attracts tourists from near and far each day, thanks to its unique architecture, Buddhist temples and relics of the late King Ponhea Yat and the royal family. Currently, however, the site is feeling the negative effects of comments by people linking this holy place to unsavoury tales of prostitution and sordid happenings after dark.
King Father focus of three day event by youth groups
The three-day “Muoymeun Alay” – which roughly translates as “Ten Thousand Nostalgic Bonds” – is to be held at the beginning of next month, commemorating the life and works of the late “King Father of Independence, Khmer Territorial Integrity and National Unity”, His Majesty Norodom Sihanouk.
Phnom Penh Photo Contest taking entries until Oct 20
Phnom Penh Photo Contest taking entries until Oct 20 The contest – run by the Phnom Penh Photography Association in collaboration with the French Institute – has been held annually for the past 13 years.
Tim Many: From voracious reader to prolific author
Thanks to his gifts, Tim Many was an excellent student of the Khmer language when he was in high school. Always a voracious reader, he was encouraged by his friends to write short stories as a young man. He began composing his first novella in 1972, when he was just 20 years old, and has continued to this day. The 76-year-old retired as a deputy inspector of the Ministry of Environment. Although he ceased to work, he never ceased to write.
Bassac theatre competition showcases ancient culture
The 2022 National Bassac Theatre Festival, held under the theme “Culture of Peace” successfully came to an end at the Department of Performing Arts Theatre on the evening of October 4. The Lakhon bassac team from Kep province finished in first place and won a gold medal with 10 million riel in prize money and a philanthropic budget of another 3 million riel.
Forest charcoal alternatives heating up the market
Biofuel Charcoals have excellent combustion qualities, meaning they burn for a long time. They burn very hot but do not explode and produce less smoke. Produced through recycled waste products, they are becoming more and more attractive to large and small barbecue restaurants. Their owners are increasingly electing to use biofuel charcoal as they are not only better quality, but contribute to reducing waste and reduce deforestation.
Local NGO relies on sunflowers for funding
The Cambodian-founded Organisation for Basic Training (OBT) has been expanding its potential for self-sustainability and is now 70 to 80 per cent self-funded, with only the small remainder of its operating budget coming from external sources. The organisation has 14 full-time staff that manage its work and conduct various projects with students in the community.
CLA holds second Khmer language writing contest
Although diversity and integration are widely celebrated in today’s world, discrimination still exists. Writers, artists and thinkers intend to explore this through writing, in a just-announced competition. Cambodian Living Arts (CLA) declared that entries are open for their second annual creative writing contest. The top four entrants will earn cash prizes during the upcoming 2023 Cultural Season, to be held under the theme “Your Kind, Our Kind”.
USAID campaign promotes healthy diet, physical activity
USAID campaign promotes healthy diet, physical activity Under the slogan “Wise Life, Healthy Life”, the campaign aims to encourage the public to establish new habits of healthy eating and physical activity.
Musica Felice choral concert fundraiser for arts education
A charity concert organised by choir group Musica Felice will be held on the evening of October 9 to raise funds to support two Cambodian art schools – Princess Buppha Devi Dance School and Yamada School of Art. Miwako Fujiwara – a Japanese pianist and conductor and producer of Musica Felice – said the upcoming concert will have a group of 27 artists, six of them Cambodian, both professionals and non-professionals from around the world.
Bassac theatre festival set for October debut
The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts will hold a two-day Bassac theatre festival on October 3-4 at the Department of Performing Arts in Phnom Penh. The event aims to preserve and promote the values of arts, culture, traditions and national identity. It will also contribute to the development of society and promote national prestige, the the ministry said, adding that protecting the Kingdom’s cultural heritage is the duty of every Cambodian citizen.
Pursat hosts Khmer Literature Fest
Pursat hosts Khmer Literature Fest The last Khmer Literature Festival in 2019 was held in Battambang province. SUPPLIED Pann Rethea and Chea Sokny Phnom Penh Publication date 13 September 2022 | 20:18 ICT The 5th Khmer Literature Festival will be held in Pursat province on the grounds of Pursat High School over October 21-23, 2022, with the addition this year of short story and poetry writing competitions. This year’s theme is “Bringing Literature to all generations”.
Short film festival ends hiatus
Short film festival ends hiatus Culture minister Phoeurng Sackona speaks to reporters at the National Short Film Festival pre-pandemic. Photo supplied Pann Rethea Phnom Penh Publication date 13 September 2022 | 20:15 ICT The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts announced the return of the National Short Film Festival in December.
Updated traditional instruments include western music scale
Two models of “twin” traditional Khmer instruments, the twin takhe and the twin khim, were developed in 2014 by a Phnom Penh geography teacher. He aims to debut updated, easier to play versions of his instruments by the end of this year. Sak Bophavan, who teaches 12th grade at Bak Touk High School, told The Post that he began working on his idea in 2011, but first debuted them – and received recognition from the Ministry of Culture and fine Arts – in 2014.
Khmer woven seagrass baskets in demand abroad
Khmer woven seagrass baskets in demand abroad Sorn Chantha at her shop in the capital’s Chamkarmon district. Photo supplied Pann Rethea Phnom Penh Publication date 11 September 2022 | 19:06 ICT Traditionally, most weavers of seagrass are elderly people, who sit and weave to pass the time after their daily work is done. It seems that this tradition may be lost in the future, as younger Cambodians are less inclined to take up the art.
Khmer woven seagrass baskets in demand abroad
Traditionally, most weavers of seagrass are elderly people, who sit and weave to pass the time after their daily work is done. It seems that this tradition may be lost in the future, as younger Cambodians are less inclined to take up the art. Many of them see it as hard work which requires a lot of time and patience. In addition, most young people don’t see how it could possibly earn them an income. In 2015, Sorn Chantha decided that she could change all that.
Pol Pisey: Khmer literature legend on her legacy
Following in the footsteps of her father – who passed onto her his poet’s bloodline – combined with a passion for reading any and all kinds of books and a strong interest in the film industry that began during her childhood are what inspired Pol Pisey to become a writer. More a calling than a career much of the time, she has nonetheless pursued it for almost 50 years now.
‘Ethics of Living’ Buddhist writing winners selected
After a pandemic- induced delay, the winners of the 5th Buddhist Literature Competition Award 2022 – held under the theme “Ethics of Living” – have been announced. The winners were selected and evaluated by the competition committee over the past several months. There are three winners in the short story category. Ton Chanrith placed first with the work This Society, with Pov Makara’s piece Norati selected as second and Phuy Ratana’s The lamp in the house as third.
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