Ly Bun Yim

January 1, 1942 — Battambang, Cambodia

Ly Bun Yim was a pioneering Cambodian film director, screenwriter, and producer, often referred to as the "Prince of Cambodian Cinema." Born in Battambang, Cambodia, he began his career in the film industry in the early 1960s. Ly Bun Yim was known for his innovative use of special effects and storytelling techniques, which brought a new dimension to Cambodian cinema. His notable works include Puthisen Neang Kongrey (1968), also known as 12 Sisters, which is considered a classic in Cambodian film history. Another significant film is Sobasith (1965), a mythical tale that showcased his pioneering use of special effects. Ly Bun Yim's contributions were instrumental in shaping the Cambodian film industry during its golden age. After the Khmer Rouge regime, he dedicated his time to re-establishing the Cambodian movie industry, passing on his passion for cinema to a new generation. He passed away on June 4, 2021, leaving a lasting legacy in Cambodian cinema.