(Phnom Penh): AMS (Apsara Media Services) is honored to officially announce the nationwide theatrical release of the documentary film "LOOT: A Story of Crime and Redemption" across theaters in Cambodia starting 16 October 2026.
"LOOT" is a gripping, daring exposure of the illicit global art trade. Following the tireless investigations of top US federal agents alongside the confessions of former Cambodian temple looters, the documentary traces the path of sacred relics from the deep jungles of Southeast Asia to elite Western auctions and galleries.
At its emotional core is the journey of former looters seeking redemption, risking their lives to identify stolen artifacts and restore the spiritual soul of their ancestors back to their rightful homeland.
Production Background and Historical Significance
Produced by New Theory Pictures and brought to audiences by AMS, the 87-minute documentary "LOOT" holds immense historical importance for Cambodia. It exposes the systematic plunder and illicit trafficking of numerous Khmer relics during eras marked by civil conflict and genocide.
The film serves not only as a record of history, but also as a powerful testament supporting the ongoing efforts to demand the return of and repatriate ancestral heritage and national treasures back to their homeland.
The film has also received recognition and selection at numerous prestigious international film festivals, including NHK (Japan Prize, Finalist), Bali International Film Festival, Austin Film Festival, FIPADOC, and the Cambodia International Film Festival, among many others.
AMS's Vision and Decision
Recognizing this film as a "Significant Historical Achievement," AMS (Apsara Media Services) engaged in direct discussions with the producers to establish a collaboration to officially bring this film to modern theaters across Cambodia.
The initiative aims to inspire youth and the general public to gain a deeper understanding of history, while uniting to create a movement to protect and support the repatriation of stolen Khmer artifacts back to Cambodia.
Screening Event and Schedule
The official Pre-Release Gala Screening will take place on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Legend Premium Exchange Square. It will be attended by senior government officials, diplomatic representatives, prominent artists and celebrities, and national and international media.
Tickets will be available at all cinema locations starting from 16 October, across all partner cinema branches, including Legend Cinema, Prime Cineplex, and Sabay Cinema.
On this occasion, AMS would also like to highlight that all proceeds received by AMS from these screenings will be contributed towards raising awareness and supporting the efforts to reclaim and repatriate looted Khmer antiques back to their homeland.
=FRESH NEWS
