A second series of BBC Media Action’s popular TV comedy-drama, ‘Sok San Family’, has been officially unveiled at a special cinema screening, with its hotly-anticipated CTN premier on August 25 at 7pm.

BBC Media Action Cambodia Country Manager, Sao Vichheka, said that the aim of the show is to create engaging content that encourages and inspires young people to become

involved with their communities.

The TV show, which saw a screening of the first two episodes take place at Major Cineplex, AEON Sensok on August 24, centres on Pu Sok, Ming San and their children’s daily lives, including the arguments, societal expectations and pressures, and hurdles faced in modern life.

Vichheka said, “Our talented team has found creative ways to show options for youth from all backgrounds to contribute to public life. The program also role models how to tackle difficult conversations and aims to shift negative attitudes around youth capabilities.”

Developing Impactful Edu-tainment

‘Sok San Family’ forms part of BBC Media Action’s Klahan9 SPACE project, which supports actions for young people to get involved in public life and make a positive contribution to their communities.

Informed by in-depth audience research and pre-testing, the program uses a combination of drama and storytelling to tackle issues with humour and in an engaging way.

Ultimately, ‘Sok San Family’ uses comedy and entertainment to deliver important messages, spark discussions and debates, and provide role models for young people, as well as the parents and elders who support them.

Camilla Ottosson, of the Embassy of Sweden Section Office in Phnom Penh (Sida) and Minister Counsellor and Head of Development Cooperation, said Klahan9 SPACE’s objectives sit in close alignment to those of Sweden.

“The project reflects Sida’s approach of ensuring programs are centrally informed by multidimensional poverty analysis, human and rights-based approach, focusing particularly on participation, accountability, non-discrimination, equality, empowerment, and legality,” Ottosson added.

“Sweden is indeed pleased to have established partnerships with BBC Media Action and their implementing partners, who combine their expertise to make a positive contribution to youth participation and civic engagement in Cambodia.”

Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) Director of Cooperation, Markus Buerli, said, "We hope that the series reaches a large and diverse audience across the country and sparks intergenerational discussion on ways in which young people can take action to make a positive contribution to community development.

“Media and communication are important tools for disseminating knowledge and fostering debate in order to inspire young Cambodians to participate in public life."

Excitement mounts

Cambodian singer Vy Dyneth, of Rasmey Hang Meas production, attended the cinema launch. She said “After I watched this, I felt so excited even though I haven’t watched the first season. This season is good storytelling for the audience.”

The second series combines comedy, education and emotion. “I really like the scene when Kdep Ampil and Tith are preparing for their 18th birthday and the prospect of more independence, but they have something new to learn,” Dyneth added.

She said as well as singing, she acts, and would like to see Cambodians create this kind of content to entertain and inspire people with positive messages.

Hem Chanthida, 12, a student at Chbar Ompov High School, has watched the show since the start and finds it relatable. “In these episodes, I like the acting of Kdep Ampi because her storytelling is similar to me now, as she prepares herself for the Grade 12 National Exam.”

She added that when watching the show, she found scenarios similar to those she faced in her life and was able to find solutions from the series.

Sam Un Chhonny, a Year 4 university student in Phnom Penh, told Kiripost, “Every scene in this drama is very attractive and modern, which fits the interests of Cambodian youths.”

He noted that the series resonates with teenagers and the challenges they face as they transition into adulthood, especially moving away from family to study in the city.

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