Showcasing some of the country’s best performers and visual artists, combined with tech workshops and panel talks with inspirational entrepreneurs and celebrity speakers, Phnom Penh Fest (PFF) returns for its second edition on Saturday 8th March – and it’s completely free to attend.
Ooooh! Tell me More
Timed to celebrate International Women’s Day, Cambodia’s leading women’s arts and culture festival will be held in the heart of the city, at F3 Futures Factory on St. 13, Phnom Penh. It’s an event created by women, for women, with a dynamic, all-female lineup of artists, musicians, dancers, speakers, and business leaders. Expect lively discussions, the chance to learn new skills, and networking opportunities with women crushing it in in their professional fields. You can try your hand at coding and programming using Scratch with Sisters of Code, pick up tips from influencer Catherine Harry, and hear from pre-eminent designers, painters, authors and student leaders.
“I am pleased to participate in Phnom Fem Fest this year, where I will share my leadership journey and commitment to gender equality. Programs like this highlight women’s talents and achievements, sending a positive message to young girls and women to hold on to hope and pursue their dreams,” – So Phina, author and member of the Mekong Cultural Hub.
All All-Star Cast
Gracing the stage will be local legends Lisha, Nov Dana, Silver Belle, Messenger Band, Sam Rocker, Sin Socheata, Kessor, Medha, Meng Keo Pichenda, Tiny Toones and Syra Run. You can also see a show by members of the world-famous Phare Ponleu Selpak circus, and catch rapper Sang Sok Serey’s first performance of brand new single, “Her Voice”.
“Too many women talk of blame, shame, and silence. ‘Her Voice’ is a song and campaign for all Khmer women, and I want to amplify their voices. We can’t rewrite outdated norms, but together we can start conversations, challenge mindsets, and ensure true gender equality,” – Serey.
Celebrating the Cambodian Sisterhood
The first iteration of the festival, held back in 2019, was inspired by a popular theatre production of feminist classic The Vagina Monologues in Phnom Penh and “the profound support and camaraderie that comes from women working together towards the same goal,” says organiser Shauna O’Mahoney, who went on to work on a Khmer adaptation of the play, and created the festival to celebrate other forms of women-led Khmer arts. This year, the festival has expanded to include the perspectives and cultural heritage of women from other Cambodian communities, especially the Kui indigenous minority, whose members are striving to protect their ancestral home in Prey Lang Forest and promote sustainable ways of life in Kampong Thom and Preah Vihear.
The Line-Up in Detail
Live Music & Dance – Performances from Cambodia’s most inspiring artists, including Sang Sok Serey, who will debut her new song “Her Voice”, a powerful testimony to women’s empowerment in contemporary Cambodia.
Chhab Slay – A powerful discussion series challenging traditional gender expectations in Cambodia. The session will feature thought-provoking conversations with influencers and professionals such as Catherine Harry, author So Phina, artist Chhan Dina, student Lekh Karry and Ngoun Heang from the Kui Tribe.
Workshops by Sisters of Code – This hands-on workshop is designed to inspire and empower girls (and anyone interested!) to explore the world of coding. Using Scratch, a beginner-friendly block-based programming platform, participants will learn the basics of coding while creating a fun and personalised animation of their selfie. No prior coding experience required!
Street Art & Exhibitions – Live painting by acclaimed artist PILAT (Denmark), collaborating with Battambang illustrator and graphic designer Ket Monnyreak (Cambodia). Additionally, Miguel Jeronimo will showcase a powerful photo exhibition on Kui tribal women and their cultural contributions.
The Kui Indigenous Community, from Kampong Thom and Preah Vihear, will present a collection of photos, handcrafted products, and stories, emphasizing their efforts in sustainable farming and forest conservation.
Festival Schedule
Time
Event
Location
13:00 – 18:00
Booths Open, Live Painting, Photo Exhibition
Courtyard
13:00 – 14:00
Sisters of Code Free Workshop:Girls Can Code – Animate Your Selfie with Scratch.
Workshop 1
13:30 – 16:00
Women’s Forum: Chhab Slay – Catherine Harry, So Phina, Chhan Dina, Lekh Karry and Ngoun Heang.
Upstairs
14:00 – 15:00
Sisters of Code Free Workshop:Girls Can Code – Animate Your Selfie with Scratch.
Workshop 1
16:00 – 17:00
Sisters of Code Free Workshop:Girls Can Code – Animate Your Selfie with Scratch
