Cambodia Sends Polen Ly's Debut Film 'Becoming Human' to Oscar International Feature Race

The Cambodia Oscar Selection Committee announced that Polen Ly’s first feature, 'Becoming Human,' will represent the country in the International Feature Film competition at the 99th Academy Awards. The narrative centers on Thida, a ghostly cinema guardian who must decide between rebirth and lingering as a spirit, aided by a young dancer Savorn Serak and veteran actor Piseth Chhun, who previously earned a Venice Horizons award.

Production was led by Daniel Mattes through his Cambodia-based Anti-Archive banner, with executive production from Singapore’s Minri Media and additional backing from Kongchak Pictures and Momo Film Co; Lights On handles worldwide sales. Cinematographer Son Doan and editor Kavich Neang contributed, while post-production sound was completed at Phnom Penh’s Kongchak Studio. After premiering at Venice in 2025, the film collected audience and top honors at festivals in Busan, London, Taipei, Seattle, Shanghai, and won the Golden Hanoman at Jogja-Netpac, as well as a lead-acting award for Chhun in Rome.

COSC founder Mariam Arthur noted a broader selection field this year, reflecting growing ambition among Khmer filmmakers. 'Becoming Human' opens nationwide in Cambodia on Aug. 27, ahead of the March 14, 2027 Oscars ceremony.