Nimol Bunchan did not set out to be CEO of Cambodia’s premier film production and streaming service. In 2015, Bunchan started with only $1,000 — which she received by pawning her motorcycle — to create Sastra Film’s first project, “Papa.” When “Papa” received a lot of love on social media, Bunchan used it as a showcase to find sponsors for her next projects. Fast forward nine years later, the determined founder has built a media empire that spans multiple subsidiary companies, 700 TV episodes, more than 20 feature films, and many educational projects.
With the same grit and resourcefulness Bunchan displayed when her team operated without film equipment or sponsors, the visionary executive now wants to raise the global profile of Cambodian cinema, making it as recognized as Korean or Hollywood films.
“Our films should serve as a bridge, showcasing our rich culture and enhancing our country’s image,” Bunchan shares over email. “At Sastra, we strive to be a key player in producing and distributing Cambodian films, allowing all local filmmakers to share their work with the world.”
From Scarcity to Commercial Success
Born in Vietnam, Bunchan grew up in the Kampuchea Krom region where she learned the Khmer language and dreamed of becoming a writer. After immigrating with her family to Cambodia in 1999, she pursued her filmmaking dreams by taking screenwriting courses. Post-graduation, Bunchan went into journalism. Then in 2015, with a team consisting of her husband, mother, siblings, and their friends, she filmed a 3-minute short. She negotiated with equipment rental providers, sought and secured a 50% discount on a tuk-tuk for transportation, and even had her mother cater the meals.
“It was tough because we didn’t have a well-known credit yet. We tried really hard to convince many companies to support our new projects, but only a few agreed,” the CEO says. “Eventually, our…
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