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Modern Cambodia under the lens in a perceptive debut from Jesse Miceli
Dir/scr: Jesse Miceli. Cambodia, France. 2020. 82 mins
Individual hopes, dreams and disappointments are the key to gaining a wider understanding of life in Phnom Penh in Coalesce (Les Affluents). The first feature from writer/director Jesse Miceli uses the aspirations of three men to convey the opportunities and challenges facing a generation confronted by a fast-changing city. Festivals with an eye on new talent should show interest following a world premiere as part of the 2020 Cannes ACID selections.
There is the smell of money in the air in Phnom Penh but not for everyone.
The yearning for something better unites the three central characters. Songsa (Songsa Sek) is a mild-mannered teenager who barely utters a word. He is at the mercy of his family’s demands. Thy (Rithy Rom) has just celebrated his 20th birthday and wants to buy an expensive motorcyle. Phearum (Phearum Eang) is...