Venice-Bound Cambodian Feature ‘Becoming Human’ Lands at Lights On (EXCLUSIVE)

International sales company Lights On has acquired world rights to Cambodian director Polen Ly’s debut feature “Becoming Human,” which will have its world premiere at this year’s Venice Film Festival.

The supernatural drama centers on a ghost named Thida who serves as the spiritual protector of a deteriorating cinema in Battambang, Cambodia. When the theater faces demolition, Thida must decide whether to move on to her next life or remain earthbound after developing an unexpected relationship with Hai, a mortal man. The story explores themes of spiritual transition against the backdrop of Cambodia’s changing social and economic landscape.

The cast features newcomer Savorn Serak, a 15-year-old classical dancer making her film debut, opposite Venice award winner Piseth Chhun, who earned the 2021 Horizons best actor prize for Kavich Neang’s “White Building.”

Behind the camera, Daniel Mattes of Cambodia’s Anti-Archive handled production duties, collaborating with associate producers Davy Chou, Kavich Neang and Danech San. Singapore’s Minri Media, led by Natalyn Ang, serves as executive producer, while additional producing partners include Cambodia’s Kongchak Pictures, Belgium’s Camescoop, and Singapore’s Momo Film Co.

The creative team includes cinematographer Son Doan, whose recent credits include “Viet and Nam” and “The Treehouse,” with editing by “White Building” director Kavich Neang. Sound work comes from Vincent Villa, known for “Return to Seoul,” while Banddidh Prum designed production and composers Jean-Charles Bastion and Pierre Édouard Dumora created the score.

Notably, “Becoming Human” represents a milestone as the first Cambodian production to participate in the Venice Biennale’s College-Cinema development program. This competitive initiative, backed by Italy’s Ministry of Culture and luxury brand Chanel, nurtures emerging filmmakers through workshops before providing production funding of €200,000 ($233,000) to four selected micro-budget features. Ly’s film was developed during the program’s 13th cycle, with production spanning from October 2024 through August 2025.

This acquisition continues Lights On’s relationship with filmmaker Polen Ly, having previously distributed his acclaimed 2022 short “Further and Further Away.” That Anti-Archive production premiered at the Berlinale and collected awards at multiple festivals including Palm Springs, Singapore and Toronto Reel Asian before being picked up by Arte/ZDF and The New Yorker.

“Working with Lights On again on my film ‘Becoming Human,’ I feel like we’re going on another exciting and adventurous road trip to bring this hidden story from my country to audiences in cinemas and festivals worldwide,” Polen Ly said. “This shared experience with Lights On, which is full of passion and love for independent cinema means a lot to me as a film author.”

Lights On’s Flavio Armone added: “We are delighted to be collaborating once again with Anti-Archive and with Polen Ly, a director of remarkable talent. After collaborating on his short film, ‘Further and Further Away,’ we are honored to present his debut narrative feature, ‘Becoming Human.’ Polen has brought to life a film that delicately moves in between realms, exploring human existence in connection with Cambodia’s social and economic transformation. With its evocative style and profoundly human touch, we are confident it will resonate with audiences worldwide. The world premiere in Venice marks the beginning of an exciting journey.”

Producer Daniel Mattes said: “It’s a privilege to be working closely again with Lights On as we take Polen’s debut feature film from its premiere in Venice to the rest of the world. Flavio Armone’s endless energy, kindness, and professionalism are the reason Lights On’s films are seen by audiences in festivals, cinemas, and platforms worldwide. We are confident that this first feature film, will showcase Polen’s many talents as a filmmaker to watch, and we are so happy to be joined in this journey by Lights On.”

The company will launch international sales at the festival across all territories and platforms.