Grandma Nai Who Played Favorites, directed by Cambodian filmmaker Chheangkea, takes a look at an interesting, multifaceted character and encourages us to be our true selves.
Once you step into the borders of a nation, you will encounter a diverse culture along with the limitations within it. In Khozy Rizal’s film, the characters Basri and Salma must face a toxic environment in their Indonesian society, where they experience societal pressure from their family members and community for not having children after years of marriage. A similar situation is depicted in the Cambodian film Grandma Nai Who Played Favorites, directed by the aspiring filmmaker Chheangkea, which premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.
The 29-year-old Meng (Bonrotanak Rith) is expected to get married soon, as revealed during his family’s Tomb Sweeping Day visit to his late grandmother Nai (Saroeun Nay)’s cemetery. “You’re 29 now. About time you got married. Think you’ll be handsome forever?”, “I had five kids by the time I was 29!”, “When will you be like other people?” Writer/director Chheangkea does not seem to intend to criticize Cambodian society with his story. In fact, this film plays out much softer than the social criticism in Khozy Rizal’s film. While homosexual activity is somewhat accepted in Cambodia, it is neither protected nor recognized by the law. Perhaps this issue is what causes our lead character to withdraw from his family regarding his true identity. As family members bombard him with intrusive questions, the spirit of Grandma Nai, who clearly cares only about her queer grandson (she once complained about Meng’s mother, who always shows off and is never satisfied with her wealth), leaves her tomb, accompanied by her spirit neighbor, to save her grandson’s future.
From the bright, culture-filled opening set, we transition into the second act, where director Chheangkea takes the film into more mature territory with sharper cinematography in the karaoke room, where Meng and his family meet Pech (Sokun Theary Ty)’s family. Nothing much happens between the two families except for some karaoke fun. Meng seems tense, stiff, and visibly uncomfortable but still has to carry out his mission to get closer to Pech. However, it isn’t until Pech’s tall and handsome brother, Viseth (Ponleu Chab), approaches them that things take a turn. The two boys make clear eye contact, and Meng appears more comfortable than we’ve seen before. When Grandma Nai sees his expression, it’s time for her to take the stage and flip the situation.
After his previous queer short films Skin Can Breathe and A Fire That Never Dies, Chheangkea continues to push the boundaries of queer and Cambodian stories with Grandma Nai Who Played Favorites. With its engaging characters, Chheangkea uses comic relief to draw his spirit characters, whose disdainful views are expressed in a way that transforms something annoying into something humorous. The transition in cinematography is one of the standout strengths of this film. In the second half, cinematographer Shyan Tan applies color, lighting, and object placement with high precision, making certain scenes feel incredibly intense, which is in stark contrast to the earlier scenes, which feel more relaxed and calm. As one of the most interesting new voices from Southeast Asia, Chheangkea proves his ability to create a monumental work with his ideas while also delivering some serious laughs. The final act of this film showcases a complicated conclusion that has only one answer: be yourself.
A co-production between Cambodia, France, and the USA, Grandma Nai Who Played Favorites (Chao Somnop Chet) is produced by Daniel Mattes and Karen Madar and co-produced by Loy Te and Vincent Villa through Anti-Archive, NoMad Productions, and Kongchak Pictures, with LightsOn handling its international sales. Director Chheangkea is currently developing his first feature film, Little Phnom Penh, which has been selected to participate in the Sundance Institute 2025 Screenwriters Lab.
The Film Fest Report team is an accredited media at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Expect substantial coverage from Park City, Utah, as the festival unfolds from January 23 to February 2, 2025.
