Chakto Sound with Kongchak Studio

The Chakto Sound project aimed to strengthen the writing skills of young Cambodian talents in multiple domains of sound and music, in order to cover the diversity within the very act of composing sound: audio narration, stage music composition, and film music. The objective of the three workshops was to provide a comprehensive and practical understanding of how sound functions as a fundamental element in creative expression.

Kongchak Studio was chosen to lead this project through three distinct workshops.

https://www.kongchak.com/

Project 1 | Audio Storytelling

Focused on training young Cambodian authors in creating audio stories for children, through existing legends and folklore, and supervised by French author Amaury Crétois. It aimed to equip young enthusiasts with solid knowledge in audio production, creative writing, as well as reflect on how to interweave stories and sound techniques in their projects to produce quality recordings and enable true immersion for their audience. 9 authors participated in this workshop, with the objective of recording and producing a 6 to 12-minute audio story per participant, based on an existing script.

Project 2 | Stage Music

Focused on creating original songs by Cambodian artists and supervised by French musician Anne Paceo. It aimed to equip young artists with knowledge in audio production and creative writing, so they can produce works independently without a label. Sensitive to the great richness of Cambodian musical heritage, Anne Paceo made sure to integrate Khmer instruments into all creations and explore their sounds, showing how traditions and new music can dialogue and mutually enrich each other. 2 artists benefited from a week of training and were able to write, mix and record 4 songs with Kongchak Studio.

Project 3 | Film Composer

Aimed to pair professional composers, who have never composed for cinema before, with directors seeking these skills in the post-production of their films, allowing both parties to collaborate on real projects. Kongchak Studio aimed to prepare young composers to focus more on music for image, to give the film a unique musical atmosphere that blends harmoniously with the director's vision. This workshop was supervised by Pierre-Edouard Dumora and Jean-Charles Bastion, and produced 4 OSTs for 4 short films.

Anne Paceo
Stage Music Project

French drummer and composer recognized for her unique style, which blends jazz, pop, electronic and world music, she has developed a distinctive approach to musical creation, fusing diverse styles and collaborating with artists from around the world. Her work is celebrated for its innovative fusion of genres, making her a leading figure in contemporary music.

Pierre-Edouard Dumora
Film Composer Project

Composer and sound designer, he enjoys exploring the immersive potential of temporal narratives in his cinematic and sound work. A graduate of Fresnoy Studio National des Arts Contemporains and member of the I've Seen the Future collective, his work has been exhibited in prestigious venues such as the Centre Pompidou, the Cinémathèque française, and the Rencontres d'Arles.

Jean-Charles Bastion
Film Composer Project

Composer and sound designer based in Paris, he is recognized for his evocative film scores and innovative soundscapes. A graduate of La Fémis and co-owner of Studio Mer/Noir, he has composed music for acclaimed films such as Tenement, White Building, and Années 20. Bastion harmoniously blends classical and contemporary styles.

Amaury Crétois
Audio Storytelling Projet

French writer and creator, his expertise includes creating multi-format audiobooks to enhance audience engagement. He has been a member of the France Culture Télérama jury in literature, cinema and comics. Amaury has led writing workshops inspired by nature and audio editing as well as workshops on audio publishing.

The selected Cambodian participants

Audio Storytelling Project

Click on each project to listen to the tale on YouTube

Heng Thida | Amara and the Mysterious Village

Amara, a little girl passionate about nature, lives in a village without greenery. After treating an injured rabbit in the forest, it takes her to discover a lush secret village. But when indiscreet villagers follow her, the inhabitants of this mysterious village disappear. Amara must protect this threatened world.

Lim Dara
Otter Brothers

Two otter brothers who are arguing over sharing a fish they caught together seek help from a wild dog, then from a fishing cat. In the end, they receive nothing but the fish bones...

Sopheap Tharyna
How to Adopt a Snake

An expedition of veterinarians ventures into Prey Lang. An injured snake they rescue becomes their secret guide, leading them to shelter during a storm, then to the hidden creatures of the forest: Asian elephants and all the other elusive species.

Loek Sophortra
The Sound of Ombok

In a Khmer village, a young boy accidentally breaks the Ka-orm, a traditional pot essential for making ombok for the Sampeah Preah Khe Ak Ombok ceremony. After attempting to hide his mistake, he finally finds the courage to confess and take responsibility.

Denasophealeap Vandy & Mao Sambath | Yellow Cat

Yellow, a stray cat with distinctive fur and bright ears - always hidden under a large raincoat - loses her shelter during a storm. Rejected by an old woman and then mistreated by a cruel child, she flees to a rice field where she meets a kind old man dancing in the rain. Together, they find happiness by learning to accept themselves as they are.

Sovan Thidanisa & Por Muy E
The Seal
Coming soon

Ah Poy, god of light and son of the Sun god and Lotus goddess, receives his first mission: to defeat a great armed villain. Armed with a sealed sacred text that can help him in his mission, he is sent to the world of mortals. But this world is very different from his own, and Ah Poy will have to face the obstacles in his path with intelligence and vivacity.

Prum Kunthearo
The Princess in the Book

Sam constantly interrupts his father during reading with his repetitive questions. Frustrated, his father sends him to bed. At midnight, a mysterious princess appears with Sam's book, but she only responds to his questions with the names of her fingers - how can they communicate ?

Stage Music Project

Alisha Escarez (Ash)

Ash, also known as Alisha, is an independent artist based in Cambodia, creating music for a global audience. With a deep passion for heartfelt expression, Ash pours soul into every performance. Her music aims to capture raw, emotional moments—turning personal experiences into songs that resonate with listeners around the world.

Ry Moni Panha (Ni-O PANHA)

Panha is a talented independent artist and rapper known for his originality and emotional depth. He writes and composes his own music, blending inspiration with raw emotion. His songs often focus on life motivation, while also exploring universal themes such as pain, disappointment, excitement, and love.

Film Composer Project

Phoung Phouroth
Night Ticket Seller

Neth Soputhinimith
River Curse

It Panha | Night Ticket Seller & Rented Room

UNG Visoththyda
How To Cut a Watermelon