Chea Lim Heng, a 20-year-old filmmaker, working on one of his previous projects. Supplied
Chea Lim Heng, a 20-year-old filmmaker, is on a mission to empower Cambodian women through his art. His debut film, "Chum Neas" ("Overcome"), delves into the multifaceted challenges faced by women in both urban and rural settings, aiming to inspire and raise awareness about their struggles and the resilience they display every day.
“I want to share knowledge and solve social problems through an easily understandable method that reflects today's society and its struggles," Heng explained. "Educational short films can help create important meanings for people of all ages who watch them."
Heng, a graduate of the Department of Graphic Design at the Max Real School and the Department of Short Film in Siem Reap, possesses a wealth of experience in filmmaking. He has been involved with shooting feature films and music videos and has even run his own media-related business.
"What inspired me to make a film about the struggles some women face in Cambodia was the desire to promote and showcase the great potential of women who have overcome many challenges," he told The Post. "Women in Cambodia play an important role in the family, economy and society."
Heng believes his film will demonstrate not only the challenges they endure, but also the vital role they play in shaping the future of the country.
“This film is a way for me to showcase women's rights and send a message to society that women should be supported and empowered,” he added.
While acknowledging the existence of other films addressing women's empowerment, Heng believes his film will stand out by focusing on a unique theme – the specific challenges faced by women in urban and rural settings.
His production crew will be made up of members of the younger generation, mostly in their twenties. Supplied
He also emphasises the importance of realistic representation, portraying the lives of women authentically without glossing over the realities they face.
Furthermore, Heng believes in the power of high-quality production, emphasising strong visuals and sound design to enhance the storytelling. Finally, he stresses the importance of delivering a clear and impactful message that resonates with audiences and inspires action.
“I believe his film will offer viewers valuable insights, including a deeper understanding of the value and rights of women in society, fostering recognition of the equal value and rights of all women. The film aims to help viewers identify and challenge instances of injustice and the misuse of power against women,” he explained.
By witnessing women overcome challenges with courage and determination, viewers can learn about perseverance. Ultimately, Heng hopes his film will empower young women to pursue their dreams and aspirations, providing them with the inspiration to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential.
Heng's experience as a design manager, producer, director and filmmaker has equipped him with valuable skills.
The filming locations will include schools, in order to address the educational challenges faced by girls and young women. Supplied
“My experience in managing a variety of projects has given me a high level of expertise in areas such as project planning, team coordination, and ensuring the technical quality of the production,” he noted.
Key production challenges include budget management, finding suitable locations, coordinating schedules with actors and ensuring high technical quality in areas such as filming, sound recording and editing.
These challenges will be addressed through meticulous planning, effective collaboration with a dedicated team, advance location bookings and meticulous time management.
The production budget for the film is $4,000. While modest, Heng believes that a strong focus on storytelling and effective promotion will ensure the film's success. The budget will be managed through collaborations with national and international organisations and by seeking support from the community.
“With this first film, we do not expect to generate income, but the goal is to pave the way for future short film projects,” he said.
Chea Lim Heng, has already taken part in the production of films and music videos. Supplied
“The film will be distributed through various channels, including film festivals both in Cambodia and internationally, online platforms such as YouTube and other relevant channels, and through screenings in schools and rural communities to raise awareness among young people and women,” he added.
The success of the project will be measured by several key factors: viewer feedback and engagement, participation in film festivals, social media reach and engagement and ultimately, the film's ability to generate meaningful social impact and raise awareness about women's issues.
"This film is not just a movie; it is a true story that has the potential to create change," Heng believes.
“We hope that this film will help to raise societal awareness about women's issues and empower women to overcome the challenges they face,” he continue
