In its Second Year, Film Program Continues Founder's Vision of Bringing the Art of Film to Cambodians

Aziza’s Place founder, Nader Ebrahimi, had a passion and gift for film-making. He recognized that teaching children the art, history and technique of film-making would be a tremendous asset to their future and within the Cambodian job market. After securing start-up funds through ArtAction, he set to work teaching film to AP’s five inaugural film students. Nader’s students mirrored his enthusiasm for film, evident and radiating through the short films they created and premiered in December 2009. Aziza’s Place is proud and committed to continue Nader's vision to bring filmmaking to Cambodian youth.

Now in its second year, the Cambodian Youth Film Education Program is developing into a high-quality vocational skills program that strives to entice and educate students in the study of film. The program dynamics have changed by establishing enrollment requirements for students, streamlining and enhancing the curriculum, opening the program to youth outside of AP, and instituting an apprenticeship program for students following completion of the one year program.

The film program is headed by Mr. Tim Vann and his assistant Mr. Cheng Somath. Both are passionate about teaching young Cambodians about film and each have an impressive resume boasting years of experience within the international and local film and television industries. Under their direction, the 15 film students will write, direct, shoot, produce, and edit a short film in three small groups. Mr. Vann and Mr. Cheng’s teaching strategy engages students through a combination of classroom work, practice with AV and computer equipment, and out of class field work. Owning his own production company allows Mr. Vann to take students on set for professional productions giving them real world, hands-on experience. He promotes critical thinking and an objective eye, but not only within the realm of filmmaking. He requires that students understand the importance of teamwork, time management and leadership – skills that will translate in and out of the film business.

“This program is unlike any other in Cambodia. It focuses on the entire process of film-making and video production as opposed to other courses that focus on one aspect of film-making,” says Mr. Vann. He says his goal is to provide the students with a well-rounded knowledge of the entire film-making process, while instituting an apprenticeship program will give those serious about film the ability to continue down a more specialized path. Eligibility for an apprenticeship is open to all students who complete the program. Mr. Vann and Mr. Cheng will find suitable placements for the students and become their career mentors.

Film class is held every Sunday afternoon at Aziza’s Place and is designed to be a supplement, not an alternative, to public school education. This year’s enrollment includes a mix of young adults from Aziza’s Place, Chibodia, Cambodian Children’s Fund, and Indochina Starfish Foundation. Each of these reputable NGOs strives to provide the youth they serve with high-quality options and opportunities for their future. Aziza’s Place is pleased to offer this unique opportunity for deserving youth outside of its program.

AP sincerely thanks ArtAction and The Pari Project for the means and guidance to build a sustainable film program for youth in Cambodia.