The Khmer Smile: Bringing Cambodian Culture to the Global Animation Stage
An animated feature film that explores the journey of a French adoptee as he returns to his native Cambodia, blending humor, poetry, and cultural discovery.
“ The Khmer Smile ”
The Khmer Smile is a 70-minute 2D animated feature film project directed by Fabrice Beau, aimed at an international family audience. The story follows Fabrice, an adult adoptee. as he returns to his native Cambodia for the first time since birth, embarking on a journey filled with humor, poetry, and adventure.
THE PITCH
Adult Adoptee Protagonist
Journey of SelfDiscovery
The story follows Fabrice, an adult who was adopted from Cambodia as a child and is now returning to his native country for the first time since birth.
Fabrice embarks on a journey of self-discovery and cultural exploration, accompanied by his partner Francesca.
Humor, Poetry and Adventure
The film blends elements of humor, poetry, and adventure, creating a captivating road- movie style narrative.
Blending Dream and Reality
The story seamlessly transitions between dream-like sequences and the realities of Fabrice's cultural homecoming.
The Khmer Smile follows the compelling journey of an adult adoptee as he reconnects with his Cambodian roots, exploring themes of identity, cultural heritage, and personal discovery.
THE PITCH
• "The Cambodian Adventure" is a delightful animated feature film script that follows Fabrice, a 12-year-old Cambodian-French adoptee, as he embarks on a magical journey with his parents to discover his birth country.
• The story unfolds across vibrant locations, brimming with a sense of wonder and the warmth of the Khmer spirit. The film opens in the lively city of Paris, where Fabrice and his parents enthusiastically prepare for their family trip to Cambodia. Despite his initial nervousness, Fabrice's parents' love and support ease his apprehension.
• Upon arriving in the bustling Phnom Penh, Fabrice meets Serei, a friendly and wise old man with a penchant for appearing and disappearing like magic. Together, they explore the city's captivating sights, from the bustling markets filled with exotic fruits and spices to the grand Royal Palace and the serene Silver Pagoda. Fabrice is enchanted by Serei's captivating storytelling, which brings Cambodia's past to life through whimsical visions.
THE PITCH
• The family then travels to the enchanting city of Siem Reap, where they encounter playful monkeys in lush forests, floating villages on the Tonle Sap lake, and kind-hearted locals who share delicious Khmer treats. Along the way, they immerse themselves in the rich culture and resilient spirit of Cambodia. In Siem Reap, Fabrice and his family marvel at the majestic Angkor Wat temple complex.
• Fabrice and Serei embark on a magical treasure hunt, solving ancient riddles and uncovering hidden passages, deepening Fabrice's connection to his roots. Throughout the script heartwarming themes are explored, including the importance of family bonds and cultural heritage, the power of imagination and curiosity, the beauty of making new friends and embracing different cultures, and the joy of helping others and spreading kindness.
• The story is filled with humor, adventure, and heartwarming moments, showcasing the breathtaking landscapes, the richness of Cambodian culture, and the warmth of its people.
• The Khmer smile is a constant presence, reflected in the characters' faces and the spirit of the narrative. The film concludes with a touching scene where Fabrice, having gained a deeper appreciation for his roots, shares a big Khmer smile with his parents and new Cambodian friends, symbolizing the connection he has found with his birth country.
1. PARTNERS
CO-PRODUCTION PARTNERS
KEY PEOPLE
Fabrice Beau
Director, Executive
Producer, and Author Francesca Capellini
Contributed to the Artwork
Emilie Rambaud
Jeanne Basset
Composer of the Film's Music
Line Producer and Co-Producer (France)
Vincent Busso
Cambodian Co-Producer, MD of Phare Creative
Studio
Jacques Guichandut
Cambodian Co-Producer
2. PHARE CREATIVE STUDIO
PHARE CREATIVE STUDIO
The aim of our production collaborations is to foster Cambodian economic growth, with the animation segment (from key poses to colouring) handled by Phare Creative Studio. All the artists have undergone training at PPSA through a program called WAS, which is financed by AFD. This studio operates under the Phare Performing Social Enterprise, renowned for its other venture, Phare, The Cambodian Circus. Their mission is to contribute to the cultural and artistic revitalization of Cambodia, a country scarred by years of civil war. To that end, they channel their profits to the NGO Phare Ponleu Selpak, which provides creative skills and employment opportunities to the local underprivileged youth.
Phare Ponleu Selpak (PSA)
Phare Performing Social Entreprise (PPSE)
Phare
Creative Studio (PCS)
Phare Ponleu Selpak's roots began in a Thai refugee camp, where French humanitarian Véronique Decrop started art therapy classes for Cambodian refugee children. 1980s
Late 1990s
2010s
The social enterprise PPSE was established to support the school in Battambang. Following the specialty of Phare, the circus began in Siem Reap, followed by Phare Creative Studio as a vocational animation and graphic design studio, focusing on showcasing Cambodian creativity.
Decrop and 9 of her students founded a drawing school in Battambang, Cambodia, which later evolved into the current Phare Performing Social Enterprise.
Present
The studio produces content for social and behavior change communication campaigns, incorporating Cambodian culture and themes into their animations.
PHARE CREATIVE STUDIO MISSION
Showcase Cambodian Creativity
Phare Creative Studio aims to highlight the talent and artistic expression of Cambodian artists, designers, and animators, providing a platform for them to share their unique perspectives.
Contribute to Cambodian Cultural Rebirth
The studio's mission is to help revive and preserve Cambodian culture and arts, which were severely impacted by the Khmer Rouge regime's efforts to destroy the country's creative traditions.
Employ Local Talent
Phare Creative Studio employs a team of skilled Cambodian artists, many of whom are graduates of the Phare Visual and Applied Arts School, ensuring an authentic Cambodian voice in their creative work.
Storytelling Rooted in Cambodian Themes
The studio's animations and content often draw inspiration from Cambodian folklore, history, and contemporary social issues, promoting the rich cultural heritage of the country.
Social Impact Focus
Many of Phare Creative Studio's projects aim to address important social issues relevant to Cambodia, such as health, education, and development, using their creative work to drive positive change.
3. PRODUCTION DESIGN
WORK IN PROGRESS
THE KHMER SMILE 70’ - STATE OF PROGRESS 2024.
SCRIPT Full script French and English versions
MODEL PACK Model sheets
4. MARKETING & DISTRIBUTION STRATEGY
5. BUDGET BREAKDOWN
Expense Summary
600 000 or 33%
20 000 or 1%
An overview of the financing plan for the Animalps Productions project, detailing the contributions from various co-producers, crowdfunding, and other sources.
6. Financing Plan
Financing Overview
• French Financing
The project has a French financing component, including a cash contribution from the executive producer Animalps Productions and an in-kind contribution from the co-producer Lucha Films.
• Other Foreign Financing
The project has secured additional foreign financing from an unspecified co-producer or private investor.
• Cambodian Financing
The project also has a Cambodian financing component, with a significant cash contribution from the co-producer Xanadoo.
• Additional Co-producers
The project has additional co-producers, including Gilipus Productions, PPSE - Phare Creative Studio, and a Canadian co-producer MBI, contributing both cash and in-kind.
Market Share
Financing Breakdown
Financing Timeline
01/08/16
Animalps Productions 13/05/19
Xanadoo provides
31/03/20
Lucha Films
20/04/19
Lucha Films
20/06/19
PPSE-Phare
31/03/24
Animalps Productions
1st Quarter 2024
Gilipus Productions January MBI provides
Ethical and Sustainable Practices
Khmer Smile takes pride in its commitment to ethical and environmentally-friendly business practices, ensuring your investment positively impacts the local community.
Why to Invest in Khmer Smile
Unique Cultural Experience
Investing in Khmer Smile allows you to immerse in the rich cultural heritage of Cambodia, supporting local artisans and presserving traditional craftsmanship.
Steady Growth Potential
With Cambodia emerging economy and increasing global recognition, Khmer Smile offers promising long-term growth opportunities for your investment.
Investing in Khmer Smile not only yields financial rewards but also contributes to the Betterment of the Cambodian community and the preservation of its cultural legacy. Join us on this journey of ethical and sustainable growth.
Investing in Khmer Smile for the XX Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh 2026
Strengthening Cambodian Culture and Identity
Investing in Khmer Smile will help showcase Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage and identity to the international community attending the XX Francophonie Summit. This will promote cultural Exchange and understanding.
Boosting Tourism and Economic Growth
The summit will attract thousands of visitors to Phnom Penh, providing a unique opportunity to Promote Khmer Smile and drive tourism growth. This will have a positive impact on Cambodia’s economy.
Enhancing Phnom Penh’s Infrastructure
Investments in Khmer Smile can contribute to the development of Phnom Penh’s infrastructure, Including transportation, communication, and hospitality services, to accommodate the influx of summit attendees.
Strengthening International Partnerships
Hosting the XX Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh will foster new partnerships and collaboration between Cambodia and other Francophone nations, further integrating Cambodia into the global community.
Promoting Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship
Khmer Smile can incorporate sustainable practices and environmentally-friendly Initiatives showcasing Cambodia commitment to sustainability and responsible development to the international community.
Why You Should invest In Khmer Smile
“The Khmer Smile" offers a distinctive narrative that explores themes of adoption, cultural identity, and self- discovery, with the potential to resonate with a global audience.
Investing in the Khmer Smile animated film presents an exciting opportunity to capitalize on the growing global demand for high-quality, familyfriendly content while also supporting a groundbreaking social enterprise production model in Cambodia.
