Cambodia Shines as Guest of Honour at 19th Angoulême Francophone Film Festival in France

PHNOM PENH, August 26, 2026 – Cambodia has taken centre stage as the "Guest of Honour" at the 19th Angoulême Francophone Film Festival, held from August 24 to 29 in Angoulême, France. The Cambodian flag has flown prominently throughout the week, symbolising the nation's cultural pride and its growing presence on the international stage.

The festival's opening ceremony was graced by Her Royal Highness Princess Norodom Arunrasmy, Supreme Advisor to His Majesty the King and a member of the Senate. The Princess attended as the highest representative of the King, reflecting the monarch's deep commitment to promoting Cambodian culture.

In her opening address, which was attended by Cambodian Ambassador to France Luy David, former French President François Hollande, representatives of the Francophonie, and local French authorities, the Princess paid heartfelt tribute to the memory of the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk. She recalled his legacy as a passionate filmmaker and a founding figure of the Francophonie. His film La Joie de vivre is among nine Cambodian films selected for screening at the festival, showcasing four decades of Cambodian history and the resilience of its people.

The Princess's remarks highlighted the cultural richness and the enduring spirit of the Khmer people, using cinema as a powerful medium to convey Cambodia's journey through history.

In a parallel development, the festival also witnessed the signing of a partnership agreement between Cambodia and France at the sub-national level. H.E. Nou Pharat, Governor of Kampong Thom Province, and Xavier Bonnefont, Mayor of Angoulême, signed a "Letter of Intent on Partnership" between Kampong Thom Province and the City of Angoulême. The cooperation focuses on strengthening friendship, cultural industry exchanges, and heritage conservation.

Angoulême has also committed to supporting Stung Sen city's candidacy to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

As Cambodia prepares to host the 20th Francophonie Summit in the coming months, its presence as Guest of Honour at the Angoulême Festival—and the expansion of sub-national partnerships with France—marks a new chapter in deepening bilateral relations. The two countries are moving toward elevating their ties to the level of "strategic partnership."

Source: Ministry of Information

https://www.information.gov.kh/articles/200241

Reported by The Khmer Today