Calm Urged as Movie Spat Sparks Boycott Fear
Cambodia Filmmakers Association (CFA) has called for calm amid a growing social media row which started with complaints that Thailand gave few chances for a Cambodian movie to be screened.
- By Po Sakun
- March 7, 2024 7:25 PM
PHNOM PENH – Cambodia Filmmakers Association (CFA) has called for calm amid a growing social media row which started with complaints that Thailand gave few chances for a Cambodian movie to be screened.
The controversy escalated when Thai commentators on social hit back, alleging that Cambodia-produced The Dark Mother ripped off the plot of a Thai film.
This prompted anger among Cambodian social media users and fears that the row could lead to boycotts of Khmer and Thai movies in both countries.
Comments, many of which were from fake accounts, urged Cambodians to stop supporting Thai films and vice versa, the CFA said.
The Dark Mother ghost movie was released nationwide on November 23. Its strong popularity across the country made it the highest-grossing movie in 2023. It had its international release in Thailand, Laos and Malaysia on Feb. 29.
In a video produced after Thai screenings of The Dark Mother, Bun Channimol, CEO and founder of producers Sastra Film, said she was upset over the locations and times available for the film.
“It was not what I expected, time available was very limited. In addition to screening time, the film was screened at only 20 cinemas while there are almost 300 cinemas in Thailand,” she said.
“What's even worse is those 20 locations were not preferable areas to watch movies.
“Even the major malls in Thailand also did not screen our films. Unlike them, we have screened at least three of their films per week. Thus, I think it is very unfair.”
Channimol said she was disappointed over comments that the movie was copied from an unnamed Thai film.
She had known that the movie would encounter discrimination in Thailand. However, she still managed to take it there as she intends to open up markets for Khmer films.
She urged the public to stop spreading violent language aimed at each other.
The CFA said it is gravely concerned over the criticism that has soared on social media which could affect both countries diplomatically.
It called upon the public to be temperate and respect both countries’ diplomatic ties. It also seeks intervention from the authorities to detect those fake accounts which are weakening public order.
“The public should avoid any actions which could affect both countries’ mutual benefits,” CFA said.
Rin Ousa contributed to the story.
