Karmalink is a 2021 Cambodian science fiction film written and directed by Jake Wachtel in his directorial debut, and produced by Valerie Steinberg. It is the first science-fiction film from Cambodia. It stars Leng Heng Prak and Srey Leak Chhith in their acting debuts, who also worked with Wachtel and co-writer Christopher Larsen on developing the story and translating it into Khmer. The film is dedicated to lead actor Leng Heng Prak, who died before its completion. Production and release Wachtel, an American, wrote and directed the film after moving to Cambodia in 2014 and working with local students as part of Filmmakers Without Borders. Inspired by Kazuo Ishiguro's novel Never Let Me Go, Wachtel devised a science fiction story set in Phnom Penh in the near future. Two of Wachtel's students, Leng Heng Prak and Srey Leak Chhith, were the inspiration for the main characters. They were later cast in the film to play them. The film is mostly set in the Tralop Bek district of Phnom Penh, where both actors grew up. The film's themes draw on Buddhist concepts of karma and rebirth, as well as artificial intelligence and economic inequality. Wachtel spent several years honing the script, working with Cambodian friends and colleagues to ensure local culture was adequately reflected. The film was primarily shot in Phnom Penh over 37 days. Shooting locations include Phnom Penh's Royal railway station and Olympic Stadium. During the film's editing, lead actor Leng Heng Prak died. The film is dedicated to his memory. The film had its world premiere as the opening night film of the 2021 Venice Film Festival's Critics' Week, and it also screened at many other festivals including the Austin Film Festival, Singapore International Film Festival, Santa Fe International Film Festival, Sun Valley Film Festival, and Glasgow Film Festival. The film had a theatrical release in the United States on July 15, 2022, and it was released in Cambodia on February 17, 2023. Reception Richard Kuipers gave the film a positive review in Variety, praising its unique filming location, themes, musical score and performances. References External links Karmalink at Metacritic Karmalink at Mubi 2023 science fiction films Cambodian speculative fiction films 2023 directorial debut films Khmer-language films Films about Buddhism Films set in Cambodia Films shot in Cambodia Films about artificial intelligence Films about social class Religious science fiction films