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Key Points

Cambodia has chosen the psychological horror film 'Tenement' as its official submission for the Best International Feature Oscar. The movie follows a Cambodian-Japanese artist who returns to Phnom Penh and experiences terrifying visions in an old building. It features groundbreaking Dolby Atmos sound design, marking a first for Cambodian cinema. This represents Cambodia's latest attempt to secure an Oscar nomination following previous submissions like 'The Missing Picture.'

Key Points: Cambodia Submits Horror Thriller Tenement for Oscar Consideration

  • Film set in a decaying Khmer Rouge-era tenement in Phnom Penh
  • Follows a Cambodian-Japanese manga artist haunted by visions
  • Employed Dolby Atmos sound design, a first for Cambodian cinema
  • Won best production design at Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival
2 min read

Cambodia submits horror thriller 'Tenement' as Oscar entry

Cambodia's Oscar entry 'Tenement' is a psychological horror film set in a decaying Phnom Penh building, blending past and present terrors with groundbreaking sound design.

"Soriya becomes trapped in a series of terrifying visions that blur the boundaries between the past and present. - Article"

Phnom Penh, September 5

Cambodia has submitted the psychological horror thriller 'Tenement', co-directed by Inrasothythep Neth and Sokyou Chea, as its contender for best international feature at the 98th Academy Awards, reported Variety.

According to the outlet, the film is set within a decaying Khmer Rouge-era tenement in Phnom Penh. It follows Soriya (Thorn Thanet), a Cambodian-Japanese manga artist who returns home after her mother's death and becomes trapped in a series of terrifying visions that blur the boundaries between the past and present.

"Tenement" world premiered in the Big Screen Competition at the International Film Festival Rotterdam in 2024 and has since screened at the Osaka Asian Film Festival, the Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival, Seattle International Film Festival, the Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival, the Kaohsiung Film Festival, Luxembourg City Film Festival, Motel X and Horrorant's Fright Nights, among others, reported Variety.

Shot across Tokyo and Phnom Penh, production began in 2020 but was delayed for two years by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The film employed Dolby Atmos sound design, a first for Cambodian cinema, and went on to win best production design at the 2024 Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival, reported Variety.

The film is produced by Westec Media Limited and Kongchak Pictures.

The horror thriller 'Tenement' marks Cambodia's latest attempt at the international feature Oscar.

The country has previously submitted several films, with only Rithy Panh's 'The Missing Picture' in 2013 securing a nomination.

In 2022, Davy Chou's 'Return to Seoul' made it to the shortlist, according to Variety.

The Oscar international feature shortlist will be announced on December 16, and the final five nominees will be announced on January 22, 2026.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great to see Southeast Asian cinema getting global recognition. We need more diverse stories from our region. The Dolby Atmos first for Cambodian cinema shows how technical standards are rising everywhere. Hope Indian regional cinema also gets such opportunities!
A
Aryan P
Psychological horror dealing with historical trauma? Sounds intense but important. Reminds me of some Malayalam films that blend supernatural elements with social commentary. Hope it gets a release here in India!
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Sarah B
While I appreciate the artistic merit, I wonder if horror is the right genre to handle such sensitive historical events. The Khmer Rouge period caused immense suffering - hope the film treats the subject with the respect it deserves.
V
Vikram M
Shot across Tokyo and Phnom Penh with COVID delays - must have been quite a journey! The international co-production model is becoming essential for smaller film industries. Good luck to the Cambodian team! 🤞
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Nidhi U
The Cambodian-Japanese protagonist angle is interesting! Cultural hybrid identities make for such rich storytelling. Hope this opens doors for more Southeast Asian representation at the Oscars beyond the usual suspects.

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