A new Danish documentary about Cambodia’s fast-growing beer industry will premiere at CPH:DOX in Copenhagen on 12 March.
Cambodian Beer Dreams is directed by Danish filmmaker Laurits Nansen and looks at alcohol marketing, weak regulation and the social cost of rising beer consumption in Cambodia.
According to the film’s presentation, alcohol consumption in Cambodia has increased fivefold over the past two decades, with beer driving much of the growth. The documentary highlights issues such as aggressive advertising, cash prize promotions and the use of so-called “beer girls” to encourage sales.
The film follows Cambodian activist Kim Eng, who is campaigning for a national alcohol law. Cambodia currently has no legal drinking age and only limited alcohol regulation, according to the documentary and interview material published ahead of the premiere.
Nansen told The Hollywood Reporter that he wanted to examine the wider forces behind alcohol consumption, linking the story in Cambodia to broader questions about business, ethics and social impact. He also said the film explores how dreams of money and success can be used to sell alcohol in a poor society.
Cambodian Beer Dreams will screen in the F:act Award section at this year’s CPH:DOX festival, which runs from 11 to 22 March in Copenhagen.
