White Building (film)

White Building is a 2021 Cambodian drama film directed by Kavich Neang. The film explores the lives of three young men living in the iconic White Building in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, a landmark structure that housed artists and low-income residents before its demolition in 2017.

The film follows Samnang, a young man training to be a dancer, and his two best friends as they navigate complex social issues, economic hardship, and the looming destruction of their home and community. White Building is notable for its portrayal of the urban landscape of Phnom Penh, the displacement caused by rapid development, and the resilience of youth in the face of change.

The film premiered at the 78th Venice International Film Festival in the Horizons section, where it won the Orizzonti Award for Best Actor for Piseth Chhun's performance as Samnang. It has received critical acclaim for its sensitive depiction of Cambodian life and its exploration of themes of memory, identity, and loss. It was also selected as the Cambodian entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 94th Academy Awards.