The Festival
CTFF is a six-day film forum that will introduce new studio and independent features, documentaries, foreign features, short films, animated shorts and re-released classics.
Art Theatre Long Beach | 2025 E 4th Street | Long Beach, CA 90814
September 15 - September 20, 2020
About
The programs will include a variety of special events and panel discussions featuring directors, producers, writers and actors. CTFF will provide a creative forum for emerging filmmakers. CTFF offers the opportunity for student early-career filmmakers, and seasoned filmmakers to showcase their talent and gain exposure.
Mission
One of the key purposes of Cambodian Town Film Festival (CTTF) is to highlight the diversity of the Cambodian experience through the art of filmmaking. By specifically featuring films that deal with Cambodian social political conflicts, traditions, challenges and characters, the Festival will deepen Cambodian values and encourage new dialogue on a global scale. This year, the festival will also aim to showcase an international selection of narrative features, documentaries, short films, student films, animated films from (not just Cambodia), but from around the world, bringing stories to Cambodia Town, Long Beach, California.
The City
A vibrant and active community, Long Beach’s Cambodia Town has become the center for Khmer culture, and more than 20,000 visitors attend the Cambodian New Year celebration each year. Understanding that Cambodia Town is a Khmer hub for culture and commerce, CTFF has begun planning the annual Cambodia Town Film Festival, slated to take place in the Fall of 2014. Given that Cambodian Americans are among the fastest-growing populations in the United States, and with increased attention paid to Khmer culture on the world stage, this festival is indeed timely. The types of work featured at the festival-which involve stories about family, migration, justice, and the human condition-speak to the power of film to reach and inspire multiple audiences. This festival powerfully speaks to the endurance and resurgence of Cambodian culture.
Sponsorship
Become a part of something important! We will make sure you get your recognition. Ready to become a sponser?
Email: info@cambodiatownfilmfestival.com for more information
Email: info@cambodiatownfilmfestival.com for more information
Become a Sponsor This Year.
Thank you for your interest in Cambodia Town Film Festival. The reason why we've been able to sustain this successful festival for 7 years is because of you, the sponsors! Become part of something great. To the right, are our top level sponsorship categories!
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$20,000
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$15,000
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$10,000
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$5,000
Our Commitee
Meet the People Behind Cambodia Town Film Festival
Angelina Jolie
Ambassador
Angelina Jolie is an Oscar-winning actress who became popular after playing the title role in the “Lara Croft” blockbuster movies, as well as Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005), Wanted (2008), Salt (2010), Maleficent (2014) and the same year she directed UNBROKEN (2014), the film won AFI ‘Movie of the Year’ and received 3 Academy Awards Nominations. Off-screen, Jolie has become prominently involved in international charity projects, especially those involving refugees.
praCh ly
Founder, Festival Director
praCh, is an internationally renown, critically acclaim, award winning artist. His debut album is the first #1 rap album in Cambodia. He’s the Coordinator of Cam-NY Celebration (2002-2004), GRAND MARSHAL of 2nd Annual Cam-NY Parade (2005),
Awarded by the Cambodian-American Business Association for “Successful Business, Entrepreneurship and Community Service Excellence” (2011), Long Beach Post ‘40 under 40‘ Awards (2013), LBC’s GRAND MARSHAL of 26th Annual MLK, Jr. Parade (2014), UCI Libraries SEAA Ambassadors (2015), Innovations in the 33rd (2016) and Co-Founder, Co-Director of CAMBODIA TOWN FILM FESTIVAL (CTFF).
Caylee So
Founder, Festival Director
Caylee, joined & served eight years in the US Army National Guard (2000). Awarded Zonta’s Women in Film grant for Most Promising Young Filmmaker (2011). Received her MFA at Dodge College (2012). Won the Cecil Awards for Best Picture/Best Director (2012). Winner of DGA’s 18th Annual Best Female Student Director Award (2013). Winner of Linda Mabelot’s New Directors/New Visions Award (2013). Co-Founder, Co-Director of Cambodia Town Film Festival and Grand Marshal of 10th Annual Cam-NY Parade (2016).
Johnny Mam
Director of Operations
Johnny Mam was born the 10th of January in 1988 in the city of Gardena, California. His parents escaped the Khmer Rouge Regime and were sponsored in the city of Salt Lake City, Utah. Since then, Johnny and his family has lived in the city of La Crosse, Wisconsin, and Victorville and East Los Angeles, California. Johnny is a Media Producer and Logistician by profession. He received his bachelor degree in Film and Electronic Arts from California State University, Long Beach.
Dr. Cathy Schlund-Vials
Grants and Communications Director
Recently granted tenure and promoted to associate professor, Dr. Cathy J. Schlund-Vials holds a joint appointment in English and the Asian American Studies Institute. Since her arrival to UConn in 2007, she has served as the Institute’s Associate Director (2009-2011) its Interim Director (2011-2012), and is now its Director (2012 – present). She is also the faculty director for Humanities House, a living/learning community connected to the Humanities Institute.
Christine Su
Grants and Communications Director
Christine Su is the Director of the Center of the Southeast Asian Studies at Ohio University. She has conducted research, worked, and traveled throughout Southeast Asia, particularly in Cambodia, where she also underwent a personal search for members of her family who might have survived the Khmer Rouge regime of the 1970s. In the U.S., she has held numerous positions through which she has been able to serve Southeast Asians as well as the broader Asian and Pacific Islander (API) community.
Pita Huot
Grants and Communications Director
Shawna Lesseur
Grants and Communications Director
Shawna Lesseur is a PhD Candidate at the University of Connecticut completing her dissertation, “Pinching Politics Through Film Narrative: An Ontology and Pedagogy of Genocide Film.” Currently the Training and Outreach Program Manager in the Office of the Vice President for Research, she has served the University as an administrator and lecturer in multiple disciplines since 2008.
Ellen Wong
Committee Member
Ellen Wong was born in Toronto, Canada to Chinese Cambodian parents. Despite an early love of acting, she was persuaded to follow a more traditional path and studied Radio and Television Arts at Ryerson University. She went on to work behind the scenes on local film and television sets until her first trip to Cambodia changed her life. While there, she was greatly affected by the children she met – their free spirits, drive and creativity inspired her to follow her own dreams.
Rithy Hanh
Committee Member
Rithy Hanh was born in Site B Refugee Camp in Thailand. He lived there for 11 years and was sponsored by his grandparents to come to America in 1992. He’s the 1st in his family to graduate from a university, he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Biology at California State University of Long Beach. He currently works as a Service Coordinator at Harbor Regional Center, a private non-profit organization contracting with the State of California for the provision of services to persons with developmental disabilities pursuant to the Lanterman Act.
Phanna J. Kloth
Committee Member
Phanna J. Kloth was born in some little green village in a shanty hut in Battambang, Cambodia during the midst of the Khmer Rouge upheaval. Immigrated to the United States in 1983, his family soon found out that Chicago was just a little harsh with its cold searing wind and knee deep winter snow. They moved to San Jose, CA and has been there ever since. Phanna currently resides in Long Beach, CA. He cheers for all things Bruins and is currently taking classes at UCLA to finish his Sociology degree.
Vibol Hou
Committee Member
Mr. Hou is a senior technology executive with over 16 years of computing technology experience. He has served as the chief technologist for several companies including GSN Media, WEBeDoctor, stimTV and eHow. Mr. Hou most recently served as Director of Engineering for eHow where he spearheaded three of the company’s major technology initiatives.
Steve Vibol Meng
Committee Member
Steve Vibol Meng is the CEO of Klothingz.com, a brand of everyday wear with innovative designs and unique messaging. He has an extensive network and resources within the Cambodian-American community. Steve is a graduate of Cal State Long Beach and served on the boards of various non-profits including the Cambodian Coordinating Council.
Pech SokThy
Committee Member
Pech SokThy was born in a rural area of Battambang, Cambodia during the height of the Khmer Rouge rule. He survived and took refuge under the wings of a tenacious mother. He owes his determination and the willingness to succeed to his mother, his soul foundation. He is shaped by his refugee experience and motivated by the constant need to balance his mind, body, and soul.
Greg Cahill
Committee Member
Greg Cahill is an independent filmmaker living and working in Los Angeles. His debut feature film “Two Shadows” depicts a young Cambodian-American woman’s search for her long-lost siblings in Cambodia. The film won the Audience Award and was a finalist for the Grand Jury Award at the 2012 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival. In 2006, Greg wrote, produced and directed “The Golden Voice,” a short film about Cambodian pop legend Ros Sereysothea.
Kalyanee Mam
Committee Member
Having escaped war-torn Cambodia wih her family in 1981, lawyer turned filmmaker, Kalyanee Mam, seeks to engage human rights and law to create documentaries that are both captivating and inspiring. Kalyanee’s work includes A RIVER CHANGES COURSE (Director, Producer, and Cinematographer), a documentary which follows three young Cambodians torn between a rural present and an ominous industrial future.
Vanara Taing
Committee Member
Before coming to AFI as an Editing Fellow, Vanara’s work was published in the journal Meridians and Sojourner: The Women’s Forum. She was a producer at StoryCorps, editing their weekly series on NPR’s Morning Edition. Her producing credits were a part of the 2012 Peabody Award-winning partnership between StoryCorps, NPR, POV, and the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.
Asaph Polonsky
Committee Member
Jared L. Davis
Committee Member
Jared L. Davis, co-founder and co-owner of The ORPHANAGE Productions. Selected in 2009 as one of “50 people to watch” by San Diego Magazine, director/producer/actor Jared David takes seriously the potential of film to carry a profound impact, and his work is marked by innovative direction and cutting edge artistry.
Varun Viswanath
Committee Member
Varun Viswanath is a Los Angeles based editor who holds an MFA in Film Editing from the American Film Institute, and is a member of the Motion Pictures Editors Guild. His recent editorial credits include – Arrested Development Season 4 for FOX; and the indie feature comedy – Miss India America, starring Hannah Simone (New Girl) and Tiya Sircar (The Internship, Star Wars Rebels).
Adam Pfleghaar
Committee Member
Adam Pfleghaar graduated Magna Cum Laude from Wright State University with a B.F.A. in Motion Picture Production and immediately went on to film the documentary Saving Jackie (2005), which was the official selection at Sundance and Palm Springs Film Festivals. Adam assisted two time Academy-Award nominated, FX guru Kazuhiro Tsuji in Special Effects Make-up for wide-released feature films Don’t Mess with the Zohan, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and Hell Boy 2.
Daron Ker
Committee Member
For over 14 years, Daron Ker has been working hard to become the first Cambodian-American filmmaker to make films that connect both cultures. Ker’s goal is to introduce the beauty of his culture to the world through the magic of film. Recently Ker produced and directed two feature length documentaries titled: I RIDE and RICE FIELD OF DREAMS.
Kathryn Lejeune
Committee Member
Kathryn studied Film Production and Cultural Anthropology at Occidental College in Los Angeles before serving as Creative Director at Davis-Panzer Productions. In early 2012, Kathryn co-founded Sueño Documentary Films out of a passion to inspire the world through documentaries that catalyze positive change. She now sits on the Selection Committee of the Cambodia Town Film Festival.
Janna Watkins
Committee Member
Janna earned her degree in Chemistry from UC Santa Barbara and began working with clean water initiatives focusing on underprivileged communities. She co-founded Sueño Documentary Films to create thoughtful and responsible films that act as a positive force in the world. She is on the Selection Committee of Committee of the Cambodia Town Film Festival. Currently, Janna is producing upcoming documentary YEAR 33, that explores Cambodia’s emerging art revival.
Zoe Pruong-McCreery
Committee Member
Sophin Zoe Pruong-McCreery, is a writer, artist, musician and community advocate raised in Santa Ana, CA. She is a managing partner at ShutterSpeed Photobooth, the premier photo booth company on the west coast delivering fun, interactive and affordable entertainment. Sophin Zoe serves as a consultant for The Cambodian Family, volunteers for the Santa Ana Building Healthy Communities Steering Committee and the National Alliance on Mental Illness NAMIWalks.
Tony Te
Committee Member
The Executive Director of Doing the Most Promotional Group, Tony Te has become one of the leading and sought after Event Coordinator in Southern California.
Natalie Chan
Committee Member
Natalie Chan is known for her outstanding ability to stay calm in demanding situations. She is a person at first glance, who radiates, positivity through her tough work ethic shells. A Freelance Editor, which formally worked on many pervious projects with clients from Digital Dove sponsor by HBO, Great Art Production, and etc. A former resident in Long Beach, CA community until in her mid teen year she had to make a drastic change in her life and moved out in the Inland Empire County of Riverside, CA.
Sarah Bennett
Committee Member
Sarah Bennett is a Long Beach-based journalist, editor and designer specializing in food, art, culture and lifestyle-related stories. As an editor at the Long Beach Post and a freelancer for local and national publications, she has extensively covered the area’s Cambodian community, including writing a cover story for the L.A. Weekly on Cambodian rappers and an award-winning multimedia piece on the state of the Khmer language among second-generation Cambodians.
Bochan Huy
Committee Member
Bochan has dedicated her life to spearheading and continuing to sow the seeds of the Neo-Cambodian musical breakout movement. By collaborating with adept pianist and producer, Arlen Hart, Bochan effortlessly bridges the East West gap with an inimitable, soulful yet sweet indie-pop vibe. She authentically draws on her dual country upbringing; combining influences from the ultra urban Oakland scene, coupled with her deep rooted Cambodian inspiration and fellowship, to create her infectious new sound.
Po Satia Chhim
Committee Member
Po Satia Chhim is a Cambodian-American attorney who divides her time between her private law practice and participating and volunteering in Cambodian community events in Long Beach. Po was born in Battambang, Cambodia, raised in Modesto, California, and completed her studies at U.C. Irvine, Sciences Po Paris, and University of San Diego School of Law.
A member of the California State Bar since 2005, Po most notably served as a State-appointted attorney for the majority of he legal career.
Rob Sok
Committee Member
Rob is a former Camp Counselor at Long Beach Unified SD. He studied at Aviation Administration at California State University, Los Angeles as well as Long Beach City College.
DJ Hunny
Committee Member
Cambodian American and Long Beach local, DJ Hunny, better known to family and friends as Hunny Hach, has been steadily, but rapidly, making a name for herself in the music club scene. She got her first taste of dj’ing at a frat party in junior college when the music being played left plenty of room to the imagination. She quickly sprang into action by bringing out two boom boxes to play a selection of hip-hop, reggae, and r&b.
Andy Eap
Committee Member
Andy Eap was born and raised in Long Beach, California where he is proud to have been able to witness the growth and development of the Cambodian community from its’ early years to its current state of progress.
Little known fact: Andy’s mother is Long Sida, one of only two legendary singers from Cambodia’s Golden era still alive today. He grew up surrounded by music, because of this, he began studying Music Theory and Composition at Long Beach City College in 2007.
Shawn Piseth Ros
Committee Member
Shawn Piseth Ros, was born in the providence of Kampong Cham, Cambodia. He is a creative thinker who excels in communication, marketing and closing/negotiating skills. For the last nine years, he been practicing real estate with Keller Williams Pacific Estates in Long Beach. He travel back to Cambodia and volunteer his time with orphanages. In 2015 he started a scholarship program for high school students in Prey Totung, Kampong Cham, in Cambodia. His main goal is to provide students assistance with transitioning into college programs so they can continue their education.
Chan Pech Coy
Committee Member
Chan been in real estate business for over 10 years and she have worked with every possible client from nervous first-time Buyers to seasoned Investors. Her title of Mortgage Specialist is one that she take seriously, and she pride herself on her communication and individual devotion to each relationship that she build. She hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from California University of Long Beach, CA. She’s in the process of obtaining her Real Estate Broker’s license. She currently live in Long Beach with her husband, Christopher.
James Buchanan McCreery
Committee Member
CTFF Galleries
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Latest news
CTFF ESSENTIAL DONATION
Cambodia Town Film Festival (CTFF) will be providing meals and essential supplies to struggling families during the pandemic and lockdown. We are appealing for funds to help support these vital community efforts, and would like to thank CTFF Ambassador Angelina Jolie and the Maddox Jolie Pitt Foundation for their generous donation. Please visit (CLICK HERE) to learn how to help.
Cambodia Town Essential Donation
This Cambodia Town Essential Donation is dedicated to supporting our small businesses in Cambodia Town, Long Beach that are facing unprecedented challenges. Not only have our local businesses suffered because of the Covid-19 pandemic, now some are also losing property as a result of looting and vandalism. This funds is not just for Cambodian businesses, but for Read more about Cambodia Town Essential Donation[…]
CTFF Presents RICE and THE BADDEST PART
Celebrating Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month RICE is a short film about boys in Khmer Rouge children’s camp steal rice to appease their starvation. WATCH RICE: https://vimeo.com/95391763 Director: Sothea Ines Producer: Sothea Ines Tropfest SEA 2014 Winner * CTFF Official Selection The Baddest Part Deep in the Southwest desert, a wayward young Read more about CTFF Presents RICE and THE BADDEST PART[…]