Free Film Screening: Becoming Human (ជាតិជាមនុស្សា ) Cambodia

Event Date: Mar 26, 2026 (6 pm to 9 pm)

A journalist and the guardian spirit of a soon-to-be-demolished theater share a friendship in this compassionate film about heritage and mod.

This screening is co-presented with Alliance Française de Chicago’s Festival de la Francophonie 2026 and the National Cambodian Heritage Museum’s Day of Remembrance series. Join us for a post-screening conversation, then stay for a social reception featuring complimentary Cambodian tea.

Cambodia | Fantasy Drama | 2025 | 99 minutes

In Khmer w/ English Subtitles

Director/Screenwriter: Polen Ly  

Starring: Savorn Serak, Piseth Chhun

Film Source: Lights On

A journalist sneaks into an abandoned theater to say goodbye before its demolition. He encounters Thida, the guardian spirit of the theater. Though they forge a bond over conversations, Thida must choose between rebirth or remain a wandering ghost.  

Polen Ly dissects his country’s dilemma between preservation and modernity in this insightful fantasy drama. Contemplating the importance of compassion and resilience in an everchanging world, the film is a meditative examination of fragility, time and memory, as well as the role they play in shaping our identities.  

IMPORTANT TICKET INFORMATION

All tickets sold are final, non-refundable, non-reimbursement and non-exchangeable.

All the programs are subject to change.

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Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtimes.

NOTE:

Since this is a free event with high volume of no-shows, per our venue host's suggestion, we are accepting RSVPs 50% beyond the seating capacity. Therefore your registration DOES NOT guarantee your seats inside the auditorium. Seats availability is served on a first-come-first-served basis. The doors will open 30 minutes for seating prior to the event ONLY. Please try to come early or on time.

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