Breakthrough Short Film Festival
Empowers Youth Voices for Social Change
© Breakthrough Movement
PHNOM PENH, (March 20, 2024) — The Breakthrough Movement proudly announces the inaugural Breakthrough Short Film Festival, set to take place on March 24, 2024, in honor of International Women's Day. Held at the prestigious Legend Cinema and open to the public, this ground-breaking event will feature 33 inspiring short films crafted by talented young Cambodian filmmakers, each tackling crucial social issues, including gender-based violence and women's empowerment.
More than just a film festival, the Breakthrough Short Film Festival, the event aims to educate, enlighten, and inspire audiences by amplifying young people's authentic voices and harnessing cinema's power to drive positive change. Thirty-three thought-provoking short films, including works from Breakthrough's production and collaborations with partners, will take center stage alongside Breakthrough Short Film competition submissions.
"We are thrilled to offer Cambodian youth an avenue to share their perspectives and catalyze change through the powerful medium of film," remarked Peov Sinoun, co-founder of The Breakthrough Movement. "Our goal is to empower young individuals to address critical social issues, advocating for gender equality, social inclusion, and women's rights."
"We totally love making films and are driven by our passion for contributing to positive change through the issue highlighted in our short film," said Tep Sokhavutey, a youth filmmaker from Svay Rieng. She continued with great enthusiasm, "I am tremendously thrilled. It surpasses anything we could have imagined: the opportunity to showcase our film in a real cinema. When the Breakthrough team told me I made it to the top 11, I was like, 'OMG!'"
The festival's highlight will be the eagerly anticipated Breakthrough Film Festival award ceremony, where the top 11 young filmmakers will introduce their short films and have a chance to see their creations on the big screen with special guests in attendance.
Endorsing the powerful line-up, Jocelyn Pederick, a respected filmmaker and committee member, praised, "It was an excellent selection of films. Such good quality and so many interesting stories and ideas." Khun Sophea, County Programme Coordinator at UN Women Cambodia, added, "All the films are really good...it has been hard to assess as they are all about creativity, ideas, talent and the solidarity of young people. This is an awesome project."
The Breakthrough Movement invites young Cambodians, filmmakers, advocates, community leaders, and the public to join this ground-breaking event. Together, we can elevate crucial voices and pave the way for a more equitable and inclusive society.
Visit our Facebook page, BreakthroughKH, for further details on the Breakthrough Short Film Festival, including tickets and schedules. You can also find more information at www.breakthroughkh.com.
About Breakthrough Movement
Eleven young women from diverse backgrounds launched the Breakthrough Movement in December 2020 to promote gender equality in Cambodia through storytelling and shared experiences. Breakthrough is now an independently managed and self-sustaining movement that produces campaigns, develops partnerships with other youth groups and civil society organizations, and secures funding for its media projects. All co-founders contribute voluntarily to the cause.
Breakthrough's objectives are to raise women's voices by providing a platform for sharing stories and peer learning through film production and other forms of storytelling. It aims to challenge restrictive social norms, especially the culture of victim-blaming, and practices that violate the rights and freedoms of women and girls. Additionally, it seeks to promote women's empowerment by encouraging active participation in decision-making at all levels in Cambodia.
Media Contact Peov Sinoun (She/ Her) Co-founder of Breakthrough Movement Phone: +855 78 660818 Email: breakthroughkh@gmail.com |