Creative photographic agency Melon Rouge is staging a week-long programme of experimental images at the Mansion that complements PhotoPhnomPenh

AS PhotoPhnomPenh unfolds in various galleries around town, an intriguing programme is also happening alongside the main festival.

The Melon Rouge photo agency is presenting “Bodega”, a week of experimental film and video works by artists from Cambodia and across Southeast Asia, and Europe.

“Bodega” has taken over the rambling, falling-down mansion directly behind the FCC and turned it into a multifaceted arts venue.

The building hosts a number of photography exhibitions as well as a cafe serving FCC fare, a hip bar, projections, film screenings and live music every night.

Melon Rouge began as a local photo agency three years ago and now represents about 20 photographers, six of whom are Cambodian.

French curator Nicolas Havette put together the programme with a specific focus on experimental images from the last century.

He’s quite at home in the dilapidated exhibition space, pointing out that old buildings are often used for such venues in Europe.

Indeed, if it weren’t for the views over the Royal Palace and the National Museum, you could be in an arts venue in Prague, Paris or Belgrade.

The art on display is also of an international standard.

Programme highlights include Kim Hak, Thierry Merre and Vinh Dao presenting images of the Central Market reconstruction; a screening of Emir Kusturica’s dementedly brilliant film Underground and time-lapse video created by Shanghai-based artists.

“Bodega” is being shown at the mansion at 32 Sothearos Boulevard, from 11am until late, through December 6. For further programme details, go to www.mr-bodega.com.

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