Phnom Penh (FN), Dec. 9 – Japanese Ambassador to Cambodia Ueno Atsushi hoped that Cambodians will experience the diverse aspects of Japanese society and culture through various types of movies and develop greater interest in Japan. He also wished that Cambodian who have never seen Japan's landscapes will discover the country’s attractions through the Japanese Film Festival 2024.

The ambassador spoke at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Japanese Film Festival on 8 December 2024, held at Aeon Mall Phnom Penh. The event was also attended by Ek Buntha, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, Khim Leang, Director of the Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center (CJCC) and Isogaya Hiroyuki, Foundation Director of the Japanese Foundation, Phnom Penh Liaison Office.

Ambassador Ueno Atsushi noted that this year, the Japanese Film Festival has already been held in Battambang, Kampot and Siem Reap provinces and is now being held in Phnom Penh.

In addition, the ambassador underscored, “Today, we will be screening the film Godzilla Minus One, which has won an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects and is the first Asian film to receive this award. With the availability of video streaming services, we can now watch films easily, anytime and anywhere. However, I believe that watching films on the big screen in cinemas offers a more immersive experience of the world created by filmmakers. In my opinion, it is one of the most exciting parts of watching a film. I hope all the distinguished guests here will enjoy the screening.”

Taking the opportunity, the ambassador expressed his wish for the friendship between Japan and Cambodia to continue growing, and thanked the organisers, sponsors, co-sponsors, and individuals who worked hard to make the event possible.

The 2024 Japanese Film Festival is held every weekend for three weeks, from 29 November to 15 December 2024.
=FRESH NEWS