Cambodian Actress Achieves Milestone at International Film Festival with Cross-Border Debut

Cambodian actress Reth Sarita has reached a new milestone in her career, with the selection of the short film "Daughter of the Apsara," in which she plays the lead, for the FIRST International Film Festival in Xining, Qinghai, China. The production was Sarita’s first film project outside Cambodia and highlights the growing presence of Cambodian artists in international independent cinema. Directed and written by Chinese filmmaker Hua Hui, the 18-minute China-Cambodia co-production was filmed in Guangzhou, Guangdong, and tells the story of a Cambodian woman living abroad. Sarita performs in both Khmer and Chinese, portraying a migrant whose identity is shaped by language, memory, and life far from home. According to the filmmakers, the story follows the emotional journey of a Cambodian woman navigating a cross-border marriage while searching for a sense of belonging in a foreign land. Sarita shared the news on social media, describing the festival selection as an unforgettable achievement. “I feel incredibly grateful and excited to share that the short film I had the honour of starring in has been officially selected for the FIRST International Film Festival in Xining, Qinghai,” she wrote. “This was my very first film project outside of my home country Cambodia, shot in Guangzhou, China, where I had the privilege of portraying a Cambodian girl living overseas, a role that is very close to my heart,” she added. In a separate post in Khmer, Sarita said she was deeply honored that the film had been chosen for one of China’s leading platforms for emerging filmmakers. “I am incredibly excited that a short film I acted in while in Guangzhou, China, has been selected for the FIRST International Film Festival. This film required me to speak both Khmer and Chinese. It was an experience I will never forget,” she added. Sarita credited director Hua Hui for entrusting her with the lead role in what she described as a meaningful production. “A heartfelt thank you to my dear and incredibly talented sister, Hua Hui, for writing and directing such a beautiful and meaningful film, and for trusting me with this journey. It has been an unforgettable experience from beginning to end,” she said. She added that she looked forward to celebrating the achievement with the film’s creative team, saying the project demonstrated how storytelling can connect people across cultures and borders. Sarita also expressed special thanks to Sansithny Ruth, who introduced her to the opportunity. “Without you this wouldn’t have been possible. I am forever grateful,” she wrote. Founded in 2006, the FIRST International Film Festival is one of China’s most respected showcases for emerging filmmakers, with its annual event in Xining attracting directors, actors and producers from across Asia and beyond. For Sarita, the selection represents both a personal milestone and another step forward for Cambodian performers seeking greater recognition on the international film stage.