Phnom penh: The Indian Film Festival in Cambodia 2026 kicked off on Jan. 16, 2026, at Legend Cinema Theatre, Olympia Mall, Phnom Penh, with the screening of the popular Bollywood movie Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the three-day festival was inaugurated by H.E. Mrs. Phoeurng Sackona, Cambodian Minister of Culture and Fine Arts. At the inaugural session, she remarked on the importance of Indian filmmakers sharing their experiences with Cambodian producers, aiming to provide additional knowledge to strengthen production capacity and open up opportunities for collaborative film productions.
Ambassador of India H.E. Vanlalvawna Bawitlung emphasized the event's significance in connecting the cultures and peoples of India and Cambodia. He expressed hope that the festival would reignite interest in Indian cinema among Cambodians, leading to more Indian films being screened in mainstream theatres across the country, as was common in the past.
According to a press release issued by the Embassy of India in Phnom Penh, Indian cinema is an integral part of India's cultural landscape. While Bollywood films are globally recognized, India's film industry includes various regional film sectors such as Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Bengali, contributing to a wide spectrum of storytelling and artistic expressions.
Indian cinema, with its rich narratives, music, dance, drama, and emotional depth, resonates with global audiences. India produces more films annually than any other country and has the potential to become a global hub for film production due to its diverse shooting locations, well-equipped studios, and world-class post-production facilities.
The festival will continue until Jan. 18, 2026, featuring five Bollywood films to showcase Indian cinema's vibrancy to Cambodian audiences. The screening schedule includes Khaali Peeli and Gadar 2 on Jan. 17, and Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari and Rakshabandhan on Jan. 18.
The festival is part of the ongoing efforts by the Embassy of India to promote cultural diplomacy, particularly under India's Act East Policy, which emphasizes stronger engagement with Southeast Asia through film, education, and heritage exchanges.