The Cambodia International Film Festival (CIFF) will be screening the heartfelt film Vakhim, directed by Francesca Pirani, on March 22, 2025, at 8:00 PM at the Institut Français de Culture. This film tells the powerful story of Vakhim, a young Cambodian boy who, after being adopted at the age of four, embarks on a life-changing journey to Italy in 2008.
In his new country, Vakhim is confronted with a world that is completely foreign to him. He only speaks Khmer, and everything from the language to the culture is strange and overwhelming. Despite these challenges, Vakhim remains a cheerful child, determined to fit in. He works hard to adjust to his new life and, in doing so, suppresses memories of his early years. Yet, no matter how much he tries, his past remains a part of him.
Years later, Vakhim’s world takes another turn when a letter from his birth mother arrives, expressing her desire to reconnect. This moment leads Francesca and Simone, Vakhim’s adoptive parents, to embark on a journey to Cambodia in search of the birth mother. As they travel to find answers, the film beautifully captures themes of identity, family, and the bonds that transcend distance and time.
Vakhim offers an intimate glimpse into the life of a young boy torn between two cultures and the love of a family that transcends the boundaries of nationality. The film is a tribute to the power of connection, exploring the ways in which our roots shape us and how the search for one’s origins can be both painful and healing.
The film’s screening at CIFF is a wonderful opportunity to witness this moving story. Admission is free, and Francesca Pirani, the director, will be present at the première on March 22. A second screening will be held on March 24, 2025, at 6:00 PM, though the filmmakers will have already departed by then.
For those who want to experience a heartfelt journey that delves into themes of adoption, cultural identity, and family, Vakhim promises to be an unforgettable cinematic experience.
We encourage everyone to join this special screening and support Francesca Pirani’s remarkable work in bringing such a powerful and emotional story to the screen.
A warm invitation is extended to all — we look forward to seeing you there!
Buona visione!
