After a long-awaited return, Matt Dillon, Jim Denault, and John Pirozzi came back to Cambodia for the highly anticipated theatrical screening of “City of Ghosts.” Fondly reminiscing about his first visit to the Kingdom in 1992, the Hollywood actor and director shared how deeply impactful it was. This experience served as the inspiration for Dillon’s award-winning directorial debut, “City of Ghosts,” a film that beautifully captured Cambodia’s mood of hope and transition after a dark period.
Dillon’s experience in Cambodia left such an impression that it served as the inspiration for the first film the award-winning actor would direct, 2002’s ‘City of Ghosts,’ which Dillon also co-wrote and starred in. “Making City of Ghosts in Cambodia was one of the highlights of my life. Cambodia holds a special place in my heart. It is such a fertile ground for creativity,” he explained. He eagerly looks forward to witnessing the innovative works of young Cambodian filmmakers in the future.
During this special event arranged by the Cambodia International Film Festival, Matt Dillon paid tribute to Kem Sereyvuth, affectionately known as Sra, who played the role of Mr. Sok, a cyclo driver in “City of Ghosts.” Kem’s family, including his daughter Malin, who made her first on-screen appearance as a baby in the film, attended the screening at Legend Cinemas in Olympia Mall for a heartwarming mini reunion of the cast and crew. Sadly, Kem passed away in 2022, but his role in the film left a lasting impact on his family and the international stage, bringing Cambodia to the spotlight and igniting curiosity about the country’s history and progress.
“I felt honored and excited but also sad at the same time,” Malin explained. “I wish my father was there. He would be very happy because this film meant a lot to him.” Despite playing few roles in films throughout his life, Kem’s supporting role in “City of Ghosts” left a lasting impact. His daughter, Malin, expressed, “I have seen this film many times before, but only this time it hit me hard. Matt has been one of my father’s dearest friends, and it is very kind of him to do this as a dedication to my father.”
For Malin, the screening was a poignant moment as she wished her father was alive to witness it. “The passing of my father was beyond shocking for us. We all expected that he would return home okay,” she stated. Reflecting on the film and her father’s role, Malin sees him differently in her grief. “He always put his family first. He wanted the best for his children like he said in the movie. And we all have a future thanks to him,” she said with admiration and pride.
In this special event, Matt Dillon played tribute to Kem Sereyvuth while also celebrating the incredible power of cinema in bringing people together and transcending barriers. Through “City of Ghosts,” viewers are taken on a journey back in time, allowing them to reflect on Cambodia’s evolution and the impactful stories that resonate with people worldwide. This exclusive screening embodies a small part of cinema and its profound ability to foster connections among diverse communities and cultures.
As this year’s patron for the Cambodia International Film Festival, Matt Dillon hosted a screening of “City of Ghosts” in Phnom Penh and Kampot, along with an exclusive master class on filmmaking for industry professionals in Cambodia. Organized by the Cambodia International Film Festival, Ministry of Culture, Department of Cinema and the Kampot Governor, alongside the support of many local partners, this event marks his first extended visit to Cambodia in 20 years. It’s a momentous occasion that not only commemorates the past but also inspires the future of Cambodian cinema, highlighting the growth and potential of the country’s filmmaking industry.
Written by Sotheavy Nou