Cambodia Sends ‘Becoming Human’ to Compete for Oscar International Feature Spot

Cambodia’s Oscar Selection Committee has officially named Becoming Human as the country’s contender for the International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards. Directed by emerging filmmaker Polen Ly, the film joins a growing roster of Southeast Asian titles seeking global recognition at Hollywood’s most prestigious ceremony.

Becoming Human tells the story of Thida, a spectral guardian tasked with watching over an aging cinema slated for demolition. As the building’s fate hangs in the balance, Thida must decide whether to embrace a new incarnation or cling to her lingering existence. The narrative weaves folklore with contemporary anxieties, using the threatened theater as a metaphor for cultural preservation.

The selection underscores Cambodia’s ongoing efforts to showcase its cinematic voice on the world stage. While the nation has submitted films to the Oscars in recent years, each entry reflects a distinct artistic vision that aims to broaden international perceptions of Cambodian storytelling. Ly’s work, noted for its visual imagination and thematic depth, adds a fresh perspective to the competition, which this year includes entries from more than 90 countries.

Industry observers note that the International Feature category, formerly known as Best Foreign Language Film, provides a vital platform for non‑English language cinema to reach wider audiences. Should Becoming Human advance beyond the shortlist, it could draw attention to Cambodia’s burgeoning film community and inspire further investment in local talent. For now, the film’s journey to the Oscars begins with its official submission, positioning it among the most anticipated foreign entries of the season.