Some special days are coming up this week: youths can check out the Pannasastra Youth Day festivities, gents can drop by for gents’ night, and fans of Japanese culture should head to the Tanabata Festival. If those events don’t interest you, do check out a photo exhibition on the Khmer Rouge, or the launch of Scott Bywater’s seventh poetry collection.

For a full list of what’s on in the week ahead, pick up a copy of The Post or subscribe to the PDF edition.

EXHIBITION: SPECTRAL MEMORIES OF THE SCREEN

Fulbright Scholar Jessica Austin will take you to a guided tour of her photo exhibition of pre-Khmer Rouge cinemas from around the country at the Bophana Centre. In English with Khmer translation.

Bophana Centre, #64 Street 200. July 7, 5:30pm

PANNASASTRA YOUTH DAY

Organised by more than 30 students from Pannasastra University in Phnom Penh. Discussions and activities will include martial arts, positive thinking, traditional food, crafts, pop music. An exhibition at Meta House will be accompanied by presentations, short-film screenings, food tasting, live music and a l’Bokator performance at 5pm.

Meta House, #37 Sothearos Boulevard. 4pm

TANABATA FESTIVAL

Usually celebrated on July 7, this traditional Japanese festival recalls the story of two lovers who are separated all but one day per year. An exposition of Japanese culture and exchange with Cambodia.

Cambodia Japan Cooperation Centre. July 9, all day

GENTS’ NIGHT

Step aside ladies, it’s gents’ night. Free draft beer from 6pm-7pm, followed by $1 drafts until 8pm, and $2 drafts thereafter. Snacks will also be served.

Chinese House, #45 Sisowath Quay. 6pm-late

POETRY LAUNCH: PEPPER AND SILK, HONEY AND LIME

The launch of local musician-songwriter-poet Scott “Scoddy” Bywater’s seventh collection of poems, Pepper and Silk, Honey and Lime.

Meta House, #37 Sothearos Boulevard. 6:30pm; Tacos Kokopelli, #42 Street 19z. 8pm; Oscar’s on the Corner, Corner Street 13 and Street 104. 9:30pm