#DATE: 13 July 2025 at 2-5:30 pm
#VENUE: Factory Theatre in Factory Phnom Penh, 1159 NR2, Phnom Penh
#INFO: open to everyone (FREE ENTRY), organized by CIPO, CIWA, CIYA, CIPA. Screening of the movie The Eternal Song that premiered globally June 2025, blessing ritual, dance and song performances celebrating Indigenous peoples in Cambodia, and a photo and cultural display.
"THE ETERNAL SONG" MOVIE SCREENING AND CAMBODIAN INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ CELEBRATION
Standing with Cambodia’s Indigenous Peoples: A Call to Protect Land and Culture
Cambodia is home to 24 Indigenous groups, including the Bunong, Jarai, Kui, and Kavet, among others. These communities, making up around 3% of the national population, reside mostly in the northeastern highlands, an area covering about a quarter of the country.
Despite their deep-rooted connection with nature, Indigenous communities continue to face threats of land loss due to logging, mining, and agribusiness development. These activities often lead to displacement and cultural erosion, undermining their way of life.
Yun Mane, Executive Director of the Cambodian Indigenous Peoples Organization (CIPO), emphasizes the importance of Indigenous wisdom: “Our traditions, spirits, and connection to nature still live today. We invite everyone — media, students, government, international friends — to listen, learn, and reflect with us.”
A recent film has drawn attention to these shared struggles, highlighting how Indigenous Peoples around the world are guardians of the land. In Cambodia, the Bunong are known for protecting forests like Keo Seima. Their message is clear: “The land doesn’t belong to us — we belong to the land.”
As the world confronts climate change and environmental loss, now is the time to support Cambodia’s Indigenous communities. Their voice and values are vital — for justice, for identity, and for the planet.
Proposed agenda:
2:00-2:30 Cultural and photo display, traditional weaving, etc.
2:30-2:40 A traditional opening ritual with explanation of its meaning and significance
2:40-2:50 Performance by Cambodian Indigenous Youth Association dance
2:50-4:20 Screening of The Eternal Song (90 mins)
4:20-4:50 Indigenous leaders & community members’ personal reflection following the film, informal discussion and Q&A with the audience
4:50-5:00 Performance by Brao Indigenous singer/ songwriter Youn Mondet
5:00-5:30 Participants free to visit traditional weavers and cultural display
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