Within the eerie, atmospheric lanes of a Cambodian village, spirits linger and secrets unravel. Spirit House, the latest indie film directed by South Korean-trained filmmaker Seng Thy, plunges audiences into a spine-chilling mystery which blurs the line between the dead and the living.

When Sreymom, a young woman cursed with the ability to see spirits during the Pchum Ben festival, encounters the ghost of her best friend Chenda – who recently took her own life – strange clues begin to emerge.

Was it really suicide, or is there a darker, more sinister truth waiting to be uncovered? As Sreymom races against time to unravel the mystery before the festival ends, viewers are taken on a haunting journey that leaves them questioning everything they thought they knew.

A graduate of the Busan Asian Film School in South Korea, Thy has brought a fresh perspective to the local film industry, combining Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage with the dynamic storytelling techniques he honed abroad.

“My films, including Spirit House, are designed to captivate viewers with their visual brilliance and narrative depth,” says Thy. 

“I aim to tell stories that resonate with audiences both locally and internationally, while showcasing the unique beauty and complexity of Cambodian culture.”

His journey into filmmaking began after earning degrees in English and Media Management from the Royal University of Phnom Penh. 

After starting his career as a senior news editor, he quickly transitioned into filmmaking, with a focus on distributing local films and producing personal projects. 

With the establishment of Tiny Film Production under Westec Media, he has worked tirelessly to push the boundaries of Khmer cinema, and Spirit House is his latest ambitious project.

The film was produced by BONG Film and Media in collaboration with Two Rivers International, blending mystery and horror to create an unforgettable cinematic experience. 

The cast represents a new generation of Khmer talent, selected not only for their acting skills but for their ability to represent modern-day Cambodia.

“Their performances have been widely praised for their authenticity and emotional depth, with critics noting how seamlessly the actors blend the supernatural with the mundane, reflecting the duality of modern Khmer life intertwined with spiritual traditions,” notes Thy. 

Thy’s directorial approach in Spirit House pays homage to Cambodia’s cultural heritage while also introducing modern cinematic techniques. 

“By intertwining the storyline with the Pchum Ben festival, the film immerses audiences in a uniquely Cambodian setting, adding layers of cultural significance to the mystery,” he explains.

Spirit House will have a sneak preview on October 1 and 2 in select cinemas, followed by its official release on October 3 in major cities across Cambodia, including Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Battambang and Poipet. 

The film is timed to coincide with the Pchum Ben festival, allowing audiences to immerse themselves in both the movie’s supernatural plot and the real-world cultural event it is based on.