The Prime Minister expressed support Tuesday for a petition by Cambodian film industry workers demanding higher import taxes on foreign movies.
“We have to support the development of the Cambodian movie sector. I will consider the petition if it is appropriate,” Prime Minister Hun Sen told reporters Tuesday.
He said he had not yet received the petition, which more than 70 actors and producers signed. The petition is being held while other well-known actors complete work in the provinces.
“Popular movie actors have impact over people. That is why we are waiting for them,” said movie producer Korm Chanthy.
The petition says the Cambodian movie sector will decline and cease to exist if the government does not increase import taxes.
As an example of Cambodian film woes, Korm Chanthy pointed to the movie “Preah Ko and Preah Keo.” His company, French Cambodia International Productions, produced the film for $60,000. The company got back only $10,000.
He said there is more financial incentive to import foreign movies, which cost less than $3,000, and less than $100 in taxes.
“If I need money, I can import a foreign movie. But I want the Khmer movie to survive. This is why I made the petition,” said Korm Chanthy.
Not everyone agrees.
Sem Sovanndeth, Lux Cinema owner and Reaksmey Pean Meas production director, is currently playing “Flying Knee, Burning Elbow,” a popular Thai film. He said that asking the government to increase taxes is unacceptable.
“I am concerned about the petition,” he said.
“I wish Cambodian people would stop watching foreign movies, but only a few Cambodian people watch Khmer movies,” he said.
Sem Sovanndeth added that even during the anti-Thai riots, Cambodian people didn’t watch Cambodian movies.
“When there are a lot of foreign movies, the producers can learn to produce the best movies and to compete,” he said. “Blocking foreign movies from Cambodia will make Cambodian producers just like the frog in the well.”
