One of the most vibran art organization I have been looking up to is Phare Ponleu Selapak (Association) – Battambang. Not only has this association trained disadvataged children and youth in Battambang with meaningful artistic skills, especially in circus performances, but it has also remodeled its non-profit for its financial sustainability through Phare the Cambodian Circus – Siem Reap. As a leading entity in our Cambodian art community, Phare has organized “S’art Urban Art Festival” for many years. This year (early November 2025) marked its 05th edition, featuring modern arts like wall-painting, music, and, of course, video training and screenings.
So read this post on to explore the 3 experiences I enjoyed during this colorful festival.
1. Artistic Diversity at its Best in Cambodia
S’Art is probably the only all-art festival in Cambodia, highlighting modern artworks, namely mural/graffiti arts! Of course, among others, films or videos happen to be anchored as contemporary forms, given its most recent birth. That was how Phare asked CSFF to integrate our newly selected short films in to their programming, as Chaktomuk Short Film Festival (CSFF 2025), was just wrapped up in Phnom Penh (last October).
My two favorite art shows were the heart-beating launching act by Medha Women Drummers (from Siem Reap), at Bosbah’s house and the electrifying concert by Kessor to celebrate “women in all diversities”, next to the town’s landmark, Phsar Nat.
2. Culinary Treats and Hospitality
As much as Battambang was listed as the Most Creative City for Its Culinary Arts, I surrender to all its taste-budding snacks. Besides my unavoidable Bobor Phe, a friend of Bosbah’s House took us to try two signature sweets, one similar to Lot dessert and the other, localized and dried jelly with its own flavor.
I should also mention grilled Sangvak to indulge in (alone) with all my appetite! You can only find this at only a couple of places in town. I was lucky enough to be told by locals to check out one near Battambang Night Market. Although it was served as much as you feel like it, I finished all the whole proposed plate!
3. Vintage Settings for CSFF Screenings
The most exciting and nostalgic part of our CSFF crew was to see these films in our rare vintage old Battambang cinema. Most filmmakers or art lovers, including myself, would be drawn to such settings while the locals just pass by there as their “ordinary landmark”! Yet, the variety started from that cinema front all the way on Street number 2 till Phsar Nat (Central Market).
Despite our frustration about how our screenings should have been promoted, I was consoled with a final-afternoon immersive tour at another classic cinema (2nd December Cinema). This put me/us (visitors) for my very first time to into real-life shows from the colonial history to the Khmer Rouge’s arrival, intertwining historical icons then living in Battambang town. They include, as you may guess, late legendary singer Ros Sereisothea and late renowned author Kong Bunchheun.
As much as Phare and partners made their efforts to raise funds to make such a significant festival happen (one every two years), their gaps were generously gapped by international artists and other local arts-oriented NGOs. Our part through Sunflower Film Organization and BookMeBus was to take care of our own travels and ground transport. If you SINCERELY travel for arts, you would not mind about this part!
PS: I’ll raise this gap-financing aspect further in my next blog spot to recap my 2026!