AHIT murder mystery set in modern-day Phnom Penh will make its debut at the North Korean film festival, which opens tomorrow.

Vanished features an attractive radio show presenter who becomes terrified that her life is in danger after two of her close friends mysteriously disappear. Dealing with issues of trust and the struggle for independence, the film played to sell-out audiences in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Battambang last year.

The film was chosen to represent Cambodia’s film industry by the Ministry of Culture’s Department of Film.

“This year we chose Vanished because it is an exciting well-made film that showcases Cambodia’s talent brilliantly,” said Chan Sayasin, director of the Department of Film.

Film producer Matthew Robinson said: “It’s a tribute to the local actors and technicians whose talent made Vanished such a success. It’s a great honour for us that North Koreans can see first-hand some aspects of life in Phnom Penh through our movie.”

The film may also be shown in the Luang Prabang Film Festival in Laos, Robinson said, ahead of its TV premiere on channel CTN later this year. In the meantime, it has become the first Cambodian movie to earn a review in Hollywood’s Variety.