Open-Air Cinema in Siem Reap
Catching a film in Siem Reap can become a genuine local experience, blending open-air screenings, encounters with residents and cinema discovery in a whole new way.
Siem Reap is an unmissable destination when travelling to Cambodge. Dynamic, welcoming and situated near the temples of Angkor, it also offers the opportunity to connect with the local population through cinemas in Siem Reap and open-air film screenings… Here are 3 venues where you can go and catch a film.
Cinema in Siem Reap: the Alliance française film club
The Alliance française is an organization dedicated to teaching French as a foreign language (FLE). It was established in 1883 to strengthen French cultural influence abroad – following France's defeat in the Franco-German war of 1870. Considered the first cultural NGO, it operates 820 agencies that foster the learning and use of French in 135 countries!
The Alliance française in Siem Reap is located in the Svay Dangkhum district (which itself houses the old French quarter). It offers open-air cinema on its establishment's terrace. As part of its activities, it also organizes numerous events…
Among them? The animated film festival (held in October). On this occasion, a musical and cinematographic French Apéro is organized at the venue, situated just a few kilometres from Angkor Wat!
Practical Info
Address: BP 93274, Svay Dangkhum, Krong Siem Reap 17259, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodge
Hours: Once every two weeks: children's screenings on Wednesday at 3:30 PM and adult screenings on Thursday at 6:00 PM.
Price: free for children; 10,000 riels (approximately $2.20)
Travelling Screen Festival: travelling screenings with local communities
During your stay in Siem Reap, you may well have the chance to attend one of the film festivals organized by the Travelling Screen association.
Founded by a French filmmaker who fell in love with Cambodge (and previously worked in the cinema industry), the organization offers travelling screenings across 15 provinces of the country, such as at the WB Arena in Phnom Penh (a highly popular outdoor entertainment venue in Cambodia's capital).
Through its screenings, the association aims to strengthen bonds between Cambodian generations (by allowing them to share a common experience), while also introducing cinema to young people: in Cambodge, rural areas lack cinema halls – and cinemas in major cities only show blockbusters.
The screenings of Travelling Screen's travelling film festival offer a chance to share moments with the local population, who are gradually discovering the seventh art (over a meal or barbecue).
Practical Info
Address: Bamboo St, Krong Siem Reap
When: according to festival dates
Price: free
Bamboo Cinema: starlit screenings in Siem Reap
Bamboo Cinema is an ephemeral and popular open-air cinema that screens both local films and great cinematographic classics. Nestled in the gardens of Bamboo Stage (a highly reputed performance venue), this summer cinema is an opportunity to unwind in a serene, tree-lined setting beneath Siem Reap's starlit sky.
Practical Info
Address: Bamboo St, Krong Siem Reap
Hours: Monday evenings at 7:00 PM
Frequently asked questions
Prices vary by venue: free for children at Alliance française, 10,000 riels ($2.20) for adults. Travelling Screen Festival and Bamboo Cinema are free.
Alliance française organizes bi-monthly screenings (Wednesday 3:30 PM for children, Thursday 6:00 PM for adults). Bamboo Cinema screens Monday evenings at 7:00 PM. Travelling Screen Festival dates vary.
It is recommended to check directly with each organizer, especially for Alliance française which offers regular screenings with potentially limited seats.
Wear clothing suited to tropical evenings, bring mosquito repellent, and arrive a bit early to soak in the convivial atmosphere.
