October 9, 2025
PHNOM PENH – Book lovers and cultural enthusiasts are being treated to a curated collection of literature as the second annual Octobookfest 2025 is underway, showcasing over sixty titles that celebrate Cambodia’s spirit and its place within the global cultural landscape.
The exhibition, hosted at The Gallery at Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, presents a literary journey that crosses languages and borders, featuring works published in Cambodia, Singapore, Japan, France and Germany, and presented in Khmer, English, French and Japanese.
The exhibition highlights a selection of rare, out-of-print and award-winning works, with subjects ranging from the rich bounty of nature and the lives of ordinary Cambodians, to royal icons and cuisine, and even a personal tale which serves as a metaphor for how the Kingdom’s dark past may have shaped its modern politics.
“We are honoured to gather these stories, some almost lost to time, and create a space where past and present converge through the beauty of the written word,” said area general manager Charles-Henri Chevet.
The festival offers a platform for authors and publishers to share their deeply personal connections to Cambodian history and culture.
Guests examine some of the rare editions which are on display at the The Gallery in Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra. PHOTO: SUPPLIED/THE PHNOM PENH POST
Royal Flavours
Some of the rare works on display include the Dictionary of Plants Used in Cambodia, a 2000 first edition that is no longer in print.
Also present is a copy of The Culinary Arts of Cambodia – Princess Cuisine Guide by Her Royal Highness Princess Norodom Rasmi Sobhana, originally published by the late princess in 1960.
Adding to the prestige are rare works by royal biographer ambassador Julio A. Jeldres, with some titles otherwise only available in Cambodia’s Royal Archives.
German artist and photographer Arjay Steven, who has spent more than 30 years documenting Cambodia, is exhibiting nine of his books
He spoke movingly of one of his works, dedicated to the great dancer Neak Kru Em Theay.
“I saw this incredible dancer… Em Theay. I became a close friend to her. I was so struck by her power and grace that I decided I would publish a book about her. All of the benefits went to her until she passed away,” he said.
Images of the Kingdom
Steven’s work began with an intense focus on mural paintings.
“Well, actually, it started with the mural paintings at the Royal Palace, you know, at the Silver Pagoda,” he recounted.
“There I saw these mural paintings. II was so fascinated by them that I decided by myself, I will photograph the whole 620 metres of these murals,” he explained.
His work expanded into documenting the Ramayana across various forms, from temples to shadow puppet theatre.
Renowned Cambodian photographer Kim Hak is also featured, with his limited-edition book, My Beloved, which captures 11 years of the country’s scenic and emotional journey. Only seven copies remain in Cambodia. He discussed the unique medium of analogue photography.
“When we shoot on film, the feeling is different; it’s unlike digital,” Hak said.
“The colour of the photographs is not edited; when we shoot on film, we just scan the negatives,” he added.
Modern tales, traditional values
Hout Socheata, founder of Avatar Publishing House, expressed her gratitude for the exposure the event is providing for local literature.
“Avatar is showcasing 13 titles,” she explained, highlighting a mix of works by both foreign and Khmer authors.
The range on display includes picture books of Khmer proverbs and their latest release, Kruosa Tech (The Tech Family), a comic-style narrative about a modern Khmer family.
“Through our publishing process, Avatar tries to prioritise maximising local production first… [We] aim to introduce our readers to both themselves and the outside world… to understand their own culture through local books,” she noted.
Huot Socheata (right), the founder of Avatar Publishing shared details about the 13 titles her publishing house is showcasing at the event. PHOTO: SUPPLIED/THE PHNOM PENH POST
How survival shaped modern Cambodia
Khieu Kanharith, a former information minister who now serves on the Supreme Privy Council to the King and in the National Assembly, reflected on the importance of the exhibition and his book, Survivre.
He stressed that the struggle for survival is not just individual but national.
“The title Chomneh Ros means survival or ‘Overcoming to Live’, but it’s not just for one person — it’s for the whole country,” he told The Post.
“The entire country’s leadership also has to struggle for survival because we are a small nation which is subject to the political pressure of larger nations,” he said.
He explained how this struggle can be misunderstood internationally, citing the 1993 elections as an example of a competition for survival, not mere political seats.
“In Cambodia in 1993, it was an election between four parties that each had their own armies and administrative structures,” Kanharith noted.
“Each was determined to overthrow the other. Therefore, it was not an election to merely compete for seats; it was an election to compete for survival, which is different from other countries. International observers cannot understand it unless they know the true situation of the country,” he added.
Support for the vulnerable
Beyond serving as a celebration of literature, Octobookfest 2025 has a charitable purpose.
Copies of the biography Dr. Beat Richner – Paediatrician – Rebel – Visionary are priced at $20, with 100 per cent of proceeds going to the Kantha Bopha Children’s Foundation.
Additionally, all proceeds from the sale of publications of Regards du Cambodge will be donated to the organisation Au Moins Un Repas, with each $22 book funding 30 meals for those in need.