Press Release for the Implementation of the Project “The Arts of Visibility and Positive Social Change”

Date: December 26, 2023

Greetings from Bophana Center!

In this special edition of our newsletter, we are excited to share the remarkable achievements of our indigenous trainees who have been part of the “The Arts of Visibility and Positive Social Change” project. This initiative is a testament to the power of film in bringing about positive social change and preserving the rich heritage of indigenous communities.

 

A Day to Remember: Certificate Ceremony

The Bophana Center had the honor of organizing a certificate ceremony on December 26, 2023, to celebrate the accomplishments of our trainees. The event was presided over by H.E. Mr. Duch Chanto, Deputy Governor of Ratanakirri Province, and witnessed by a host of dignitaries, including honored guests from provincial departments, organizations, donors, teachers, students, youth, and the proud parents of our trainees, along with the protagonists of our documentary films.

Empowering Indigenous Voices

Our project, co-implemented with the Cambodia Indigenous Peoples Organization (CIPO) and generously supported by Voice through Oxfam in Cambodia, the Ford Foundation, and the Heinrich Böll Stiftung Cambodia, has been a journey of empowerment and creativity. Over 21 months, starting from April 2022, our 21 trainees have immersed themselves in the world of documentary filmmaking, resulting in the production of 31 films that beautifully capture the essence of indigenous traditions, customs, culture, language, and daily life.

From Learning to Leading

The success stories emerging from this program are inspiring. Several of our indigenous youths, equipped with skills honed at the Bophana Center, are now making their mark in the film and multimedia sectors. Their journey from learners to leaders in these fields is a source of immense pride for us. Others continue their education, pursuing their passion as independent filmmakers, contributing their unique voices and perspectives to the broader narrative.

Mobile Cinema: A Journey Beyond Borders

The Mobile Cinema Program, a cornerstone of our initiative, has played a crucial role in bringing these documentaries to a wider audience. This program is not just about screenings; it’s about creating a space for dialogue, understanding, and appreciation of the rich cultural tapestry of indigenous communities. It’s about bridging gaps and building connections through the powerful medium of film.

Looking Forward

As we celebrate these achievements, we also look to the future with excitement. The journey of our trainees and the impact of the Mobile Cinema Program are just the beginning. We are committed to continuing our work in using film as a catalyst for social change, cultural preservation, and community engagement.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our partners, donors, and supporters. Your belief in our vision and mission has been the driving force behind our success.

Stay connected for updates on our upcoming Mobile Cinema screenings and other projects.

With gratitude,

 

 

 


Press Release – Donation to the Bophana Center

Cambodia & Culture: Bophana Center, the history of the Royal Ballet and the life of H.R.H. Buppha Devi soon accessible to the public

 

The Bophana Center received this week a donation of several dozen archival video tapes containing, among other things, a series on the Royal Cambodian Ballet and the life of the late Princess Buppha Devi.

 

Christophe Gargiulo and Chea Sopheap, director of Bophana Center

 

In addition to the 11 episodes of 26 minutes each previously broadcast on local channels CTN and CNC some 15 years ago, the original rushes of interviews with the princess, her dancers and her entourage were also donated to the center. In addition, there are a few ‘forgotten’ documentaries such as the opening of the first night market in Siem Reap, the Kep marathon in 2007, the first Angkor shows, the first Phnom Penh photo festival and many others that will certainly delight archive and history lovers.

In all, several dozen hours of documentaries and rushes on the country will be processed by the center and will be broadcast or will be part of other projects of Bophana.

‘We are delighted with this gesture, especially for the films about the princess, I was able to view some of the sequences when the tapes were transferred to digital and some of them are quite beautiful,’ said Chea Sopheap, the center’s director.

The director who gave us these films, Christophe Gargiulo, also gave us free access to his photo library on the Royal Ballet and it is likely that we will exhibit some of them during the next Cambodia International Film Festival.

‘At the beginning, Bophana was already broadcasting some of my films and I am really happy today to be able to contribute to their approach of safeguarding the audio-visual heritage. We will try to offer a 26-minute condensed series on the Ballet and the Princess for the next film festival. For the complete series, I would like to have it in English and French one day because it is currently in Khmer language’, says Mr. Gargiulo, best known today for the magazine Cambodia Mag but who previously had a career as a producer and director and whose several series have been broadcast on various channels of France Televisions and, via the MediaCorp network, in Japan, Singapore and South Korea.

About us

Co-founded by Cambodian director Rithy Panh, the Bophana Center collects audio-visual documents about Cambodia and offers the public a free access to the digital data constituting this unique heritage. The quality and diversity of the database attract a wide and varied audience of teachers, students, researchers, tourists, NGOs and journalists. These archives are also promoted through conferences, debates, exhibitions and training workshops organized by the Center. Bophana also trains young Cambodians in film, audio-visual and new media, inspiring meaningful productions about their own culture. As a place of exchange and interaction, Bophana also supports creation in all its forms by hosting artists: we create the archives of tomorrow.

 


CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR INDEPENDENT EVALUATOR TO CONDUCT ASSESSMENT OF BOPHANA CENTER

The Board of Directors and management team of the Bophana Audiovisual Resource Center are commissioning a consultant to conduct an assessment of the following issues:

  1. The effectiveness of the Bophana Center’s current policy and procedures to prevent sexual harassment.
  2. Recommendations for change to relevant policies (including the development of a new whistle-blower policy), processes, and training program.
  3. Guidance on the expansion of its Human Resources Department.
  4. Development of a Code of Conduct that will define acceptable behaviors and social norms that all individuals (staff, students, and visitors of the Bophana Center) should adopt on a daily basis.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

  • – A master’s degree in gender studies, anthropology or relevant disciplines.
  • – At least 5 years working in the non-profit sector and with international partners.
  • – At least 5 years’ proven experience conducting monitoring and evaluation work focused on issues such as gender inclusion, prevention
  • – Substantial experience working in Cambodia.

COMPETENCIES

  • – Personal integrity and transparency.
  • – Outstanding communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • – Strong technical and analytical skills and demonstrated ability to collect, analyze and interpret data.
  • – Quantitative and qualitative data management skills.
  • – Excellent ability to synthesize, understand and communicate sensitive and complex issues effectively to non-English speakers.
  • – Ability to work in a team, develop synergies and establish effective working relations.
  • – Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
  • – Excellent organizational skills and proficient time management skills.
  • – Fluency in Khmer is preferable.

DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT

The assignment entails a maximum of 60 days of work to be undertaken between January and March 9th 2023 at the latest. The assignment may involve short travels. Specific dates and locations will be developed jointly with the Bophana Center’s Founder, Executive Director and Chair of the Board of Directors.

The Evaluator is to be identified and contracted no later than December 21, 2022.

Work to commence no later than January 9, 2023 and to conclude no later than March 9, 2023.

In addition to the retainer, all travel, accommodation and meal costs will be provided by Bophana Center.

For additional details, including Scope of Work, Methodology and Deliverables, see Terms of Reference.

To apply, please send a detailed cover letter and a CV to the following address:

sopheap.chea@bophana.org indicating “Bophana Assessment” in the email subject line.


Bophana Center Statement on Allegations of Sexual Harassment

5 November 2022

Bophana Center Statement on Allegations of Sexual Harassment

The Bophana Center has investigated recent allegations of sexual harassment against two members of its staff and has terminated the contracts of both individuals.

“Bophana Centre does not tolerate any forms of sexual harassment or other types of discrimination,” said Director Chea Sopheap. “We are grateful to the victims whose courage brought these issues to light.”

Continue reading…


The Arts of Visibility and Positive Social Change

 

Bophana Audiovisual Resource Center (ARPAA) and Cambodia Indigenous Peoples Organization (CIPO) co-implement the project “The Arts of Visibility and Positive Social Change” for 21 months starting from April, 2022 to December 2023. This project is co-funded by Voice through Oxfam in Cambodia, Ford Foundation and Heinrich Böll Stiftung Cambodia. Continue reading…