A locally produced film based on the real-life story of a woman in the Khmer Rouge era is about to have a fresh set of overseas screenings.

Since it premiered in Cambodia two years ago, Lost Loves has been invited to screen at film festivals in Germany, Italy and Thailand.

It has also been slated for screenings at Malaysia’s Asian Film Festival in August, Illinois University in September and the Rome International Film Festival in October.

“We are proud that our movie has been recognised by international audiences,” Chhay Bora, the film’s director, says. “Now we are looking for funds to continue our film-making.”

Lost Loves is based on the story of Chhay Bora’s mother-in-law, Nun Sila. During the 1970s, she lost her father, her husband, and other relatives at the hands of the Khmer Rouge regime.

The movie was screened at many of Phnom Penh’s cinemas, and recently ended a fresh six-week run at the Cineplex.

“I’m now applying for a licence to screen Lost Loves to diplomats and government officials in Cambodia, so we can raise some funds to promote our film work,” Chhay Bora says.

He also plans to establish a film foundation to raise funds for young film-makers, after seeing the potential of aspirants to the craft while helping to judge the Chaktomuk short-film contest earlier this year.

To contact the reporter on this story: Roth Meas at [email protected]