8 Cambodian Actors You Should Know

Along with all of Cambodia’s art forms, the country’s thriving film industry was destroyed during the Khmer Rouge regime of 1975 to 1979. However, the sector is once again on the rise, thanks to a series of award-winning films – both international and local – that have hit the big screen in recent years. Here, we throw the spotlight on some of the Kingdom’s classic and emerging stars.
Sveng Socheata
Sveng Socheata is making a name for herself internationally after starring as Loung Ung’s mother in Angelina Jolie’s Netflix hit, First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers, which was released in September. The 38-year-old actress also stars in Amit Dubey’s Mind Cage, a psychological thriller in which she plays the tormented wife of a psychiatrist. It was released in 2016 and is currently on the international film festival circuit. Sveng also features in Hex, a horror movie that is to be released in 2018.

Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripCentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great priceAfrica
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.Phoeung Kompheak
During the Khmer Rouge Trials, Phoeung acted as the translator for Kaing Guek Eav [commonly known as Comrade Duch, who headed the notorious S-21 prison where an estimated 15,000 people died during the Khmer Rouge]. He was sentenced to life behind bars in 2012. Phoeung made his acting debut in 2014 stepping into the shoes of Duch for French-Cambodian film, The Gate – a semi-fictional dramatisation of the memoir of anthropologist François Bizot, who was captured by the Khmer Rouge in 1971. Phoeung most recently took on the role of Loung Ung’s father in First They Killed My Father.
Rous Mony
Rous Mony had a small role in the 2012 release of award-winning Australian produced film, Wish You Were Here, which follows the aftermath of a holiday to the country that has gone very wrong. In 2013, he played the lead of Phirun in Ruin, an arthouse film that tells the story of two young lovers living on the margins of Cambodian society. It scooped the Horizons Award, Special Jury prize at Venice Film Festival that year. He also appears as Scar in Jimmy Henderson’s 2017 action movie, Jailbreak, and put on top performances as the villainous traditional healer Mony in Mind Cage and Veasna in award-winning The Last Reel (2014).
Dy Saveth
As one of Cambodia’s most beloved actresses from the Golden Age of the 1960s, Dy Saveth is also one of just a handful to escape execution during the Khmer Rouge-era, having fled to France. In 1959, she was crowned Miss Cambodia, and went on to star in a string of movies, including former King Norodom Sihanouk’s Twilight (1969), Bopha Angkor (1972) and Snake Girl (1974). She returned to Cambodia in 1993. She plays traumatised mother and former famous actress Sothea in The Last Reel.
Haing S. Ngor
Born in Cambodia in 1940, Haing served as a doctor and medical officer with the Cambodian army, before being captured by the Khmer Rouge, who he managed to hide his job from to avoid execution. Having survived the Pol Pot-led regime, he was sent to the US in 1980 as a refugee and, despite no acting experience, went on to be cast as Dith Pran in The Killing Fields (1984), winning an Academy Award for his performance. He went on to star in various films, including Oliver Stone’s Heaven & Earth (1993), before being shot dead outside his LA home in February 1996 during a botched robbery.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ru0HxV4nWY&t=8s
Tep Rundaro
This Cambodian actor and singer launched his acting career with the starring role in 1987 hit Secret Tear in the Quiet Purple Night. Despite no training or experience, his natural ability in front of the camera caught the eye of producers, who snapped him up for a series of other roles, including featuring in former King Norodom Sihanouk’s Peasants in Distress (1994) and The Snake King’s Child (2001). He has also co-starred with Dy Saveth and remains a revered actor on the local film circuit.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3w5I0uOeFrQ
Virak Dara
Another national treasure of the 1960s and 70s, Virak Dara made a name for herself in her role as Kong Rey in 1967, with Puthisean Neang Kong Rey – it remains Cambodia’s biggest movie to be made. She is also known for playing Orn in the 1971 smash hit, An Euil Srey An. Three of her films never made it to the screen, having been destroyed by the Khmer Rouge before they were released. She managed to flee Cambodia for France in 1977 with her husband.
Denny Kwan
Controversial Cambodian actress Denny Kwan made international headlines in April after being slapped with a one-year ban from working in the entertainment industry by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts. The young musician and actress had been hauled before a board of officials a year earlier to be “educated” about her sexy style – a warning she refused to heed. She pledged to tone down her dress.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAP-T8ko8EU
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.