From 2009 to the Present Day, The Flicks Community Movie Houses are a beloved part of Phnom Penh’s cultural scene — the city’s only independent, licensed art house cinemas dedicated to screening the Better Films for the local expat, tourist, and local communities.
Founded with heart and sustained by passion, The Flicks offers a unique alternative to mainstream cinema: cozy air-conditioned movie rooms, an unbeatable popcorn recipe, and a rotating lineup of foreign films, festival winners, cult classics, documentaries, and indie gems on big HD screens. Whether you are lounging in our comfy seats or sharing a drink before the show, you are part of something special.
Where It All Began
The Flicks journey started in early 2009 when a New Zealand couple, Martin and Jeanette Robinson, transformed a pre-Khmer Rouge villa into the first Flicks Festival Movie House. Located on Street 95 near Tuol Sleng, it quickly became a local favorite.
In 2011, after an online fundraising campaign saved the venue from closure, the Dutch Ramon Stoppelenburg took over. Under his guidance, the cinema was revitalized — the bar expanded, the lobby upgraded, and seating reimagined for ultimate comfort. It became more than just a movie house; it was a community hub.
Three locations in total
The success of the original location led to the opening of The Flicks 2 near the riverside in 2012, and The Flicks 3 near the Royal Palace (now The Box Office) in 2014. Together, they created a cozy movie network across Phnom Penh — until 2017, when The Flicks 2 and 3 closed their doors following a series of external challenges.
The original Flicks on Street 95 carried the torch beautifully until August 8, 2021, when the curtain temporarily fell due to the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ramon left Cambodia, and for a few years, Phnom Penh’s indie film scene went quiet.
The Relaunch: Rolling the Reels Again
But you can’t keep a good cinema down. In 2025, Ramon returned to Phnom Penh with a singular mission: bring the movie magic back. Thanks to the overwhelming support of our community, a successful crowdfunding push, and the dedication of film lovers who refused to let the dream die, the theater has been completely reborn. We are officially open from September, and ready to welcome you back to the big screen.
The Flicks Experience
Community Cinema: Keeping independent film culture alive and thriving in Phnom Penh.- Perks: Legendary popcorn, cold drinks, and outside food orders from our partners delivered directly to your seat during your screening.
- Atmosphere: Fully air-conditioned, relaxed, and intimate — the way movies should be.
We also make our spaces available for private screenings, birthday parties, corporate events, or simply for those who want a cinema room all to themselves.
Powered by Community
The Flicks has always been more than a business — it is a community project, run entirely by dedicated volunteers and backed by cinema lovers. All profits are reinvested into the cinema and used to support or sponsor Phnom Penh’s broader cultural scene, just as we have historically done with:
- The Phnom Penh Players amateur theatre group
- Nerd Night Phnom Penh (a bi-monthly intellectual social gathering)
- Comedy in Cambodia (our venues sold the tickets)
- Annual performances of The Vagina Monologues
- Open air cinema nights, literary journals, expat city guides, and more
Strong Views, Strong Rules
We believe in movie magic — and that means no interruptions. Phones, texting, and noisy behavior? The movie stops, and you are asked to leave. Simple. It ensures everyone gets the distraction-free viewing experience they paid for.
