Rival Magazine
[as originally published on rivalmagazinela.com]
Nimol Bunchan, the visionary behind Sastra Film, has revolutionized Cambodia's cinematic landscape, leading a dynamic team of 150 and empowering 200 artists annually. Her odyssey from childhood writing dreams to the bold inception of Sastra Film in 2015 epitomizes her unyielding dedication to the art of filmmaking.
Despite starting a career in journalism, it was her unwavering resolve to impact the film industry that persisted. Equipped with her grit and just $1,000 in initial capital, she fearlessly launched her brainchild, Sastra Film, marking a pivotal moment in her entrepreneurial voyage. She went on to create AKARA Animation and Chan Records as part of the Sastra brand, and later she unveiled the cutting-edge Sastra Film App in 2021, delivering exclusive video-on-demand experiences. Nimol's fervor for crafting diverse content, spanning TV episodes, feature films, and educational gems, underscores her fervent commitment to enriching Cambodian entertainment and culture, with Sastra's acclaimed TV series captivating audiences across Southeast Asia.
Get ready to delve into the inspiring story of a visionary leader who has reshaped Cambodia's film industry landscape in today’s interview. Stay tuned for insights into her remarkable journey, from humble beginnings to founding a thriving production company with a global impact.
How did your childhood dreams of becoming a writer influence your journey to founding Sastra Film?
My childhood dream significantly influenced my journey to founding Sastra Film. It encouraged my family and me to relocate from Kampuchea Krom (Southern Vietnam) to Cambodia, where I aspired to become a Khmer writer. Despite my unwavering commitment to learning and looking for opportunities in film writing, I faced many challenges. Therefore, I decided to create Sastra Film to fulfill my dream and provide opportunities for others who share similar dreams.
What are some of the biggest hurdles in the way of a company like Sastra when penetrating today’s film industry?
Our biggest challenges are competing with foreign films and dealing with limited resources. We’re working very hard to keep up with the influx of foreign movies into Cambodia. Unfortunately, our local film industry is at a very low level, lacking capital, investment, and human resources. Unlike other countries, we don’t have film schools here, which makes it even tougher to gather what’s needed to produce films. Moreover, about 90% of the Cambodian film market consists of foreign films, and sponsors are not very keen to work with local filmmakers. So, surviving in this industry is quite a struggle. To bring our film sector back to life, Cambodian producers have to show unwavering commitment.
It can’t all be an uphill battle. What are some of the advantages and strengths that you feel have been key in getting Sastra to be where it is today?
If we continue to do the same things over and over again, we may encounter setbacks or miss out on opportunities. I’ve observed many film companies in Cambodia come and go because they didn’t innovate. This lesson inspired my strategy for Sastra Film, which is to continue to innovate and create something new. For instance, we began with TV dramas but then expanded to produce Life Films and Life Series, which are educational productions. We also launched an online streaming platform, the Sastra Film App, to reach a wider audience. Later, we ventured into cinema production and international markets. To survive, we must adjust our approach to business, otherwise we’re likely to fail. We have no choice but to keep moving forward or face the same fate as those other film companies.
Can you share a memorable moment or project that has been particularly significant in your career?
I’ll always remember making the short film “PaPa.” It was my first, most exciting project and a turning point for me. Back then, I had only $1,000. I used it to create a three-minute film. My goal was to prove that I could make movies and be there for anyone who needed my skills. I spent that money wisely, finding volunteers like my sister, the leading actor, her friends as supporting actors, and my mother, who prepared food for the production team. We rented equipment, negotiated 50% discounts, and even hired a tuk-tuk for transportation. Looking back, it was a time of unity, hope, and the belief that anything was achievable. Despite having no staff and very little capital, that $1,000 kickstarted Sastra Film, leading to where we are today. It’s a powerful reminder that anything is possible.
What motivates you to produce diverse content, including LGBTQ narratives and Buddhism-themed programs?
I understand that everyone has different preferences for films, and I want to create entertainment for everyone. In this world, there are so many different religions and traditions, and love exists in both opposite-sex and same-sex relationships. I want my films to be a voice and a picture that represents everyone. As for Buddhism-themed programs (Cheataka), I want viewers around the world to learn about the story and lessons of Buddhism, which can be helpful in their lives.
How do you see the future of the Cambodian entertainment industry evolving, and what role do you envision for Sastra Film?
I foresee significant growth in Cambodia’s entertainment industry because of the strong growth it saw before the Khmer Rouge era. During that time, Cambodian cinema was incredibly popular, not only in Southeast Asia but throughout the entire continent. Now, as Cambodia rebuilds its human resources in this field, I firmly believe that the entertainment industry will regain international fame. And I see Sastra Film playing a crucial role in bringing Cambodian film to the global stage. I believe we can be a symbol of faith in making Cambodian cinema world-renowned. For instance, in the past, no one believed that Cambodian producers could produce films that outperformed foreign ones and could be exported to other countries. However, after achieving this, local productions gained confidence and shifted their mindset toward the future of Cambodian cinema. They increased capital to produce films for export. I believe we can be an essential symbol that represents the belief in the development of Cambodia’s entertainment industry.
What advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers or entrepreneurs looking to enter the industry, particularly outside of the North American markets and circuits?
The film industry stands apart from other industries because it demands a unique blend of knowledge, skills, passion, and unwavering determination. Unlike some businesses, it doesn’t guarantee immediate profits, and it’s also a tedious job. To thrive, you must delve into the heart and mind of the industry, understanding its intricate processes. Creativity, adaptability, and unwavering commitment are essential. Additionally, effective communication and networking skills are crucial for business owners. So, spread your wings, connect with distributors, producers, and theaters worldwide, and let your passion for cinema take flight!
Please tell us about a project or initiative that you are particularly excited about in the near future.
One of our most exciting projects is that we are producing a horror feature, which has gained a lot of interest and has received the green light for distribution from many partners, not only in Southeast Asia but also in countries outside the region. It’s slated for release soon. We are also planning to create a Film Park. I want to establish Sastra’s studio as a hub for filmmakers worldwide, offering an opportunity to come and create Cambodian content at a more competitive price than other countries.
How do you envision the impact of technology and digital platforms on the future of film distribution and production, especially in Cambodia and Southeast Asia?
I believe technology will have a huge impact on film distributors and producers. As audiences increasingly shift from traditional cinematic experiences to online streaming or virtual reality, it will reshape the industry landscape significantly. I think it’s an opportunity for producers to broaden their market. They can reach viewers not only in the region but also around the world and generate revenue through Pay Per View or selling content to prominent streaming platforms. However, this will require business owners in the film industry to be flexible and adapt to the times in order to take advantage of these technological advancements and digital platforms.