April 7, 2026
PHNOM PENH – A visit by Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie to two of Battambang’s historic theatres has injected fresh momentum into efforts to restore the province’s cultural landmarks and reposition them as a new hub for Cambodia’s creative economy.
Jolie inspected the Golden Temple Theatre, also known as Prasat Meas, and Battambang Cinema on April 2, in a visit that local authorities described as an important step towards preserving the province’s cultural heritage.
The visit was attended by Battambang provincial governor Sok Lou, alongside officials from the Department of Culture and Fine Arts and other municipal authorities.
According to the governor, Jolie’s trip followed an invitation from Phare Ponleu Selpak, a leading non-profit arts organisation based in Battambang, which is seeking support for the restoration and renovation of the two historic venues.
He noted that both buildings, constructed in the 1960s, are emblematic of Cambodia’s “golden age” of cinema, but have since fallen into serious disrepair after decades of neglect.
Osman Khawaja, executive director of Phare Ponleu Selpak, said Jolie’s presence has helped elevate the significance of the restoration project beyond a local initiative, drawing wider attention to the importance of cultural preservation and development.
“We are deeply grateful to Angelina Jolie for her visit and for the interest she has shown in Cambodian culture, its preservation and its future development,” he said, adding that her visit has “given new momentum” to a broader, collective effort involving artists and cultural institutions across the country.
Khawaja stressed that the restoration is not intended to place the historic sites under the control of a single organisation, but rather to serve the wider cultural community in Battambang.
“The ambition is to help lead, alongside a broader collective of cultural actors, a restoration that benefits the city as a whole,” he told The Post.
Under the proposed vision, the Golden Temple Theatre will be transformed into a multi-functional cultural space that combines a professional performance venue, museum and exhibition areas, as well as creative workspaces for training, artistic production and experimentation.
Plans also include a café and restaurant aimed at promoting Battambang’s culinary identity and attracting visitors.
The project is being framed not only as a heritage conservation effort, but as part of a wider strategy to regenerate cultural life in the province and create new opportunities within Cambodia’s growing creative sector.
Khawaja described the initiative as a “major undertaking” that will require sustained investment and cooperation from a broad range of stakeholders, including public institutions, private partners and international supporters.
“Its success depends on the involvement of a broad coalition who recognise that cultural development is an essential part of Battambang’s future,” he said.
Beyond physical restoration, the initiative aims to rebuild a vibrant cultural ecosystem in the city, providing young Cambodian artists with access to professional platforms, training opportunities and direct engagement with audiences.
“For young artists, this means concrete opportunities to create, present work, gain recognition and develop professional pathways,” Khawaja added.
Local authorities believe that reviving the historic theatres could also contribute to tourism growth and strengthen Battambang’s identity as a cultural capital, while reconnecting communities with both traditional and contemporary forms of artistic expression.
Once restored, Prasat Meas is expected to serve not only as a symbol of Cambodia’s artistic heritage, but as a living cultural space — bridging the country’s past with the creativity of future generations.