Film Cambodia Organization (FCO) became a local NGO on January 2, 2008, but was conceived in March 2006 when Mariam Arthur approached Cambodia's Department of Cinema and Cultural Diffusion about helping develop the Khmer film industry.

Arthur returned to the United States to spend a year researching and planning a strategy. With a solid business plan in hand, she returned to Phnom Penh in April 2007 and began meeting both Khmer and foreign film professionals such as those at Bophana Audiovisual Center, Hanuman Films, and Hang Meas, as well as government officials.

The first newsletter, Mise en Scene, was published in June 2007. It has since grown to be the premiere trade magazine of Cambodia's film industry.

In October 2007, Arthur began partnering with Sor Thida, Tim Francis and In Mean. Official documents were signed in December 2007, forming a local NGO.

Mission Statement

The mission of Film Cambodia Organization is to strengthen the Khmer film industry, promoting economic development and preserving cultural heritage, achieved through providing resources and training to filmmakers.

Objectives

Three objectives are defined as a Triangular Strategy.

• support training of Khmer filmmakers to produce marketable films (while developing their own unique cultural style), so they can act as crew for International productions shot in Cambodia.
• promoting the Khmer film industry globally.
• assisting International filmmakers shooting in Cambodia.

Location and Facilities

A temporary office in Phnom Penh is located close to the Cinema and Cultural Diffusion Department. Facilities will be added in three stages.

During Phase One, the office is used for teaching courses in film production, publishing our magazine - Mise en Scene, developing databases and our website, and developing distribution and exhibition.

Phase Two will add a permanent location housing the Angkor Film Institute and a cinema theatre.

Phase Three establishes a world presence as Film Cambodia Organization delegates travel to international film markets and festivals.

Current & Projected Targets

• publishing the only trade magazine representing the film industry in Cambodia Mise en Scene  - [achieved]
  
• launching an online web forum community website. - [achieved]
• hosting a website with comprehensive databases for locations and resources - [under construction]
• 2008 seminar with International film professionals teaching film courses
• Angkor Film Institute (AFI) in cooperation with Cambodian government
• FCO cable channel
• publishing the Cambodia Creative Directory - [in development]
• publishing a comprehensive location directory- [in development]
• operating a cinema for cultural education and entertainment
• fighting piracy by offering licensed DVDs at reasonable cost, and making them available to Khmer vendors
• assisting International filmmakers - [service opeational]
• launching a monthly Film Luncheon for industry networking - [achieved]
• developing a Khmer Film Fund - [at consultation stage]