The Old Man (, ; ) is a 2026 Cambodian drama comedy film directed by Somchanrith Chap in his directorial debut and written by Say Veacha.
The Old Man has become the most pre-booked movie of 2026. The film was released theatrically on March 12 and received positive reviews from critics for its powerful performances.The film became Cambodia's highest-grossing of 2026. The Old Man won several accolades at the 2026 Legend Awards, including Best Film.
Plot When a lonely widower realizes his grown children have phased him out of their lives, he stages an elaborate deception to lure them back to their childhood home, forcing a confrontation with the family's fractured past.
Cast Tep Rindaro Bun Kevan Taing Meng Bella Danith Hailey Pheng Som Sary Lucci Lucci
Release
Theatrical The film's first release date is March 12, 2026. The film ran in theaters for 42 days, the longest run for a Cambodian film.
Screenings The Old Man was selected to screen at the closing ceremony of the 15th Cambodia International Film Festival.
The film was selected to be screened at the China-Cambodia Film & Cultural Exchange Week 2026 in Fuzhou, China.
The film was officially selected for the 12th Cambodia Town Film Festival in Long Beach, California and 5th Lowell Asian American Film Festival in Lowell, Massachusetts.
The 14th Asian Film Festival Barcelona, held in Spain, selected the film for its competition lineup in the NETPAC Section.
The film was selected as part of the 17th Kota Kinabalu International Film Festival's Cinebalu Screenings in Malaysia.
Awards and nominations Year Award Category Recipient Result2026 Legend Awards Best Film Somchanrith Chap Best New Director Somchanrith Chap Best Script Veacha Say Best Actor Tep Rindaro Top Performance International Award Somchanrith Chap Audience Choice Somchanrith Chap Cambodia Town Film Festival Best Feature Film Somchanrith Chap
Reception The Cambodia Oscar Selection Committee (COSC) founder Mariam Arthur pointed to a wider field than usual this year, saying there are typically only one or two eligible films. Highlighting Chap Somchanrith’s The Old Man as a notable entry, Arthur called it “a huge step forward that Khmer filmmakers are willing to invest in drama and romance genres.
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