ONODA – 10,000 Nights in the Jungle, a film which tells the true story of a Japanese soldier who refused to accept that World War II had ended, was released in cinemas on October 25.

Directed by Arthur Harari, the film was shot in Cambodia in late 2018. Locations in Kampot, Kep and Preah Sihanouk provinces are featured, with more than 60 Cambodians working alongside film industry professionals from Japan, France, Belgium, Thailand and the Philippines.

It is a large-scale film based on the true story of a Japanese soldier named Hiro Onoda. He spent 30 years hiding in the jungle on an island in the Philippines, refusing to accept that Japan had surrendered.

The film was produced with the support of the several state institutions including the ministries of Culture and Fine Arts; National Defense; Interior; and Environment. It also had the support of Pour un Sourired’ Enfant – For a Child’s Smile’s film school, as well as members of the Japanese and Filipino expatriate communities in Cambodia.

Screenings are scheduled at all Legend cinemas and Major Cineplex Cambodia.

Last year, the film was selected for the Un Certain Regard competition, the second-largest prize at the Cannes Film Festival. The award focuses on small productions that give young leaders the opportunity to express their work.