Circus performances at the 11th Tini Tinou International Circus Festival in 2021. Phare Ponleu Selpak
The celebrated Tini Tinou International Circus Festival is set to make a spectacular return this June in Battambang province, poised to be the most impressive edition in its history. Scheduled from June 3-9, the festival’s 12th iteration is expected to enchant over 11,000 attendees with a diverse international lineup of 13 circus troupes from around the world.
Phare Ponleu Selpak, the festival’s organiser and a key player in circus arts, has revealed that this year’s event will showcase artists from 10 countries, including Japan, Singapore, France, Germany, Laos and Thailand. Performances will take place on the Phare campus and across the dynamic Battambang town.
“This year’s [festival] will be one to remember,” says Osman Khawaja, executive director of Phare Ponleu Selpak, which means “the brightness of the arts” in Khmer.
“The festival has always been about bringing together people from across the globe to celebrate circus arts, and to network and learn from one another. And, of course, it’s always fabulous fun for the audience!” he adds.
Tini Tinou, which translates to “here and there” in Khmer, has consistently aimed to introduce the enchanting world of the circus to Cambodia, captivating both local and international audiences. The festival also contributes to the development of the province’s rich cultural and artistic heritage.
The event, which began in 2004 in Phnom Penh, was founded by a group of Cambodian and international organisations passionate about circus arts and cultural exchange. Its creation was driven by a desire to rejuvenate and promote circus arts in Cambodia and to encourage international artistic collaborations.
Over the years, Tini Tinou has seen considerable evolution. Initially, it focused on showcasing the talents of local Cambodian performers and students from the Phare circus school, a Cambodian non-profit organisation that leverages the arts for social change and personal empowerment.
As the festival expanded, it started attracting international artists and troupes, becoming a global stage for circus performances and partnerships.
The fair is renowned for its diverse array of traditional and contemporary circus acts, encompassing acrobatics, clowning, aerial performances and juggling.
The festival has become an important event for the circus community, offering artists from across the globe opportunities to display their talents, learn from one another and collaborate on new ventures.
Despite facing challenges such as funding constraints and the global impacts of events like the Covid-19 pandemic, it has persevered, thanks to the resilience of its organisers and strong community support.
Its ability to adapt and unwavering commitment to the arts have cemented its status as a major cultural event in Southeast Asia. The festival not only showcases circus arts but also fosters cultural dialogue and exchange.
“Circus is a fundamental part of Khmer cultural heritage, and through Tini Tinou, we’re proud to pass on the magic of the circus to the next generation of Cambodian and international youth,” says Khuon Det, co-founder of Phare and director of the Phare Performing Arts School.
“The festival embodies all that circus has to offer: strength, teamwork, flexibility, imagination and fun. The arts are vital in shaping a country’s soul, and Tini Tinou will proudly exhibit Cambodian circus arts to the world,” he added.
The week-long event will also include the annual general meeting of the Circus Asia Network (CAN), highlighting the festival’s role in developing contemporary circus in the Asia-Pacific region through ongoing exchange and nurturing programmes.
Phare envisions the festivity as a platform for integrating circus into Cambodian arts and culture. It aims to open doors for ASEAN+ country troupes to the international circus market and contribute to the development of Battambang as an arts and cultural tourism destination.
