( ENSPIRE She Did That ) Nimol Bunchan Founded Cambodia’s First Leading Film Production and Streaming Service
ENSPIRE Contributor: Grace Chai
A pioneering figure in Cambodia’s film industry, Nimol Bunchan is one to watch in the streaming platform scene. The CEO and founder of SASTRA film, Cambodia’s leading production and streaming company, Nimol has grown SASTRA to tremendous heights since 2015 and influences subsidiary ventures like AKARA Animation and Chan Records. Sastra consistently earns the highest viewership in the country, and Nimol hopes to expand the company and provide content to neighboring Southeast Asia countries.
Under her leadership, the company grew from one to 150 employees, creating opportunities for over 200 artists each year. Her greatest achievement is the Sastra Film App, a premium video-on-demand platform launched in February 2021. Nimol is passionate about entertainment and produces 700 TV episodes, over 20 feature films, and several educational projects annually. These projects’ content includes LGBTQ narratives and Buddhist content for mental and spiritual education.
We spoke to Nimol about her start in the film and streaming industries, her experience as a female leader in the industry, and her hopes for the future of SASTRA Film.
Why did you want to found a film production and streaming company?
“Actually, at first I just dreamed of becoming a writer. I poured my heart and soul into chasing that dream. Despite my efforts, finding a job as a writer proved elusive. Back then, there were only a few film productions in Cambodia and they reserved opportunities for only well-known writers,” she said. “Faced with a lack of opportunities, I decided to start my film company. My goal was to create opportunities not only for myself but also for others who shared similar interests.”
“And the idea of founding a streaming platform emerged while I was producing a feature film for cinemas. I noticed the challenges Cambodian films faced in securing screen time. Despite producing good content, we weren’t always sure if cinemas would accept our films or provide favorable showtimes because of their existing contracts with foreign studios. Inspired by other countries’ movie apps, I decided to create the SASTRA Film App. My goal is to help Cambodian filmmakers expand the reach of their works in the market.”
What challenges did you face when founding SASTRA Film?
“In the early days, the challenge was the scarcity of resources, which included human resources, material resources, and capital. Initially, our team consisted solely of my husband and my siblings, who volunteered their time without pay. We operated without an office, film production equipment (such as cameras, lighting, or sound recorders), transportation, or any financial backing from sponsors.”
What is it like to be a female leader in the film industry?
“It is not easy to be a female leader in the film industry in Cambodia,” Nimol said. “The first problem is that my fellow producers, all of whom are mostly men, do not seem happy with my presence as a woman. They still have the mindset that the film industry should only be led by men. And unfortunately, family and social mindsets are no different. Women are often expected to stay at home, take care of family, or stick to jobs in accounting or banking. So far, I have overcome many of these obstacles, but things still need to change.”
How do you plan to expand SASTRA to the U.S.?
“My vision for SASTRA extends across borders—to the United States. We’ve been taking steps in this direction by selling our content to American Streaming Companies. But there’s more. We’re exploring co-productions between Cambodia and the U.S. And we’re ready to partner with American filmmakers who want to make films about Cambodia.”
How do the U.S. and Cambodian film industries differ?
“The American film industry boasts abundant human resources, cutting-edge technology, and substantial capital, firmly establishing its dominance in the global market. In contrast, Cambodia faces shortages in human resources, materials, technology, and capital, resulting in a relatively small market. While filmmakers in the U.S. are reaping significant financial rewards, Cambodian filmmakers at this point primarily seek recognition and acknowledgment for their work.”
When I asked her about her hopes for the future of SASTRA Film, she answered, “My ambition is to elevate Cambodian cinema to global recognition, much like Korean or Hollywood movies.”
“I want to see SASTRA FILM as a key player in producing and distributing Cambodian films, allowing all local filmmakers to share their work with the world,” she said. “Moreover, I envision SASTRA Film Studio as a welcoming hub where international filmmakers can collaborate and create films right here in Cambodia.”
For the world of film to grow, diverse leaders must spearhead the movement, and Nimol Bunchan is at its helm.
Check out SASTRA FILM and Nimol’s story on her website.
Related Articles: Geechee One Films Announces the Streaming Debut of NO NEW FRIENDS, A Leading Employment Resource for Women Launches its Largest Campaign, Ian Foreman Premieres Dual Feature Films At Sundance 2024 As He Marks A Historic Debut At Their 40th Anniversary
