White Building Bodeng Sar

Synopsis

In the rapidly changing urban landscape of Phnom Penh, 20-year-old Samnang (Piseth Chhun, winner of the best actor prize at this year’s Venice Film Festival) spends his days with friends riding scooters and dreaming of reality TV stardom. When the government announces a plan to demolish the landmark housing block where they reside, Sam’s carefree days come to an abrupt end. He watches helplessly as his father attempts to convince his divided neighbors to remain in their apartments; at the same time, he’s reeling from his closest pal’s decision to start a new life in Europe. Rooted in filmmaker Neang’s own experiences—he lived in the White Building from childhood to its demolition in 2017—this impressive naturalistic drama juxtaposes the painful price of progress with the difficult realities of growing up.