AKP Phnom Penh, August 26, 2026 --

The national flag of Cambodia has been proudly displayed in Angoulême, France, from Aug. 24 to 29, 2026, as Cambodia participates as the “Honorary Country” at the 19th Francophone Film Festival of Angoulême (Festival du Film Francophone d’Angoulême).

The festival’s opening ceremony was held on Aug. 24 under the high presidency of Her Royal Highness Princess Samdech Reach Botrei Preah Anoch Norodom Arunrasmy, Member of the Supreme Privy Council to His Majesty the King, and Member of the Senate.

Her Royal Highness attended as the King’s highest representative, in accordance with His Majesty’s benevolent guidance and deep attention to the event.

The ceremony was attended by H.E. Luy David, Ambassador of Cambodia to the French Republic; H.E. François Hollande, former President of France; representatives of the International Organisation of La Francophonie and French local authorities; and other distinguished guests.

On the occasion, Her Royal Highness Princess Norodom Arunrasmy paid her deepest respect and expressed her profound gratitude to the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk, an accomplished filmmaker and one of the founders of La Francophonie.

Through his French-language films, the late King Father made significant contributions to promoting Khmer identity, values and cultural richness among Francophone communities and on the international stage.

One of his films, “La Joie de vivre,” is among nine Cambodian films selected for screening at the festival.

The films offer glimpses into Cambodia’s history over the past four decades, while reflecting the vitality of the country’s arts and culture and the resilience of its people in overcoming hardship and suffering.

As part of this historic occasion, Cambodia and France also advanced their decentralised cooperation.

H.E. Nuon Pharat, Governor of Kampong Thom Province, and H.E. Xavier Bonnefont, Mayor of Angoulême, signed a Letter of Goodwill on Partnership between Kampong Thom Province and the City of Angoulême.

The partnership aims to strengthen friendship, promote exchanges in the cultural and creative industries, and enhance heritage conservation.

Angoulême has also expressed its commitment to supporting Stung Sen City’s candidacy for membership in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

As Cambodia prepares to host the 20th Francophonie Summit in the coming months, its participation as the Honorary Country of the Angoulême Francophone Film Festival, together with the expansion of cooperation between Cambodian and French sub-national administrations, marks another important step in strengthening and broadening bilateral relations.

These developments contribute to the two countries’ efforts to elevate their relations to a deeper and more comprehensive strategic partnership.

By Chea Vannak