Meta House showcases classic film about modern Cambodia

Phnom Penh’s German-Cambodian cultural centre, Meta House, will be re-screening a classic this weekend as part of their best films about Cambodia series.

Released in 2009, Same Same But Different – directed by German filmmaker Detlev Buck – became an instant classic in the Kingdom upon its release for its moving depiction of blossoming romance between a Cambodian bar girl and her German boyfriend.

The story, based on Benjamin Prufer’s incredible autobiographical magazine article which was later published as a novel, follows a whirlwind romance between a young German graduate on his summer backpacking trip and a Cambodian bar girl living in Phnom Penh.

Tragedy befalls the pair, bringing them back together in a heart-rending tale that captured audience imaginations both in Cambodia and abroad.

In 2009, a red carpet was rolled out on Norodom Boulevard for the Cambodian premiere of the film, which director Buck labelled his “declaration of love for Cambodia”. The film’s more than 200 cast and crew – among which were many Cambodian nationals – were in attendance that night.

Nine years on, Meta House will once again showcase this homage to Cambodian society and culture.

“Meta House is showcasing the best films about modern Cambodia – and we think Same Same But Different is one of them. We feel that the messages in this film are still valid and interesting – this is why we’ve once again programmed it.

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