Kampot Writers and Readers Festival helps Cambodians tell their stories

With low levels of literacy in Cambodia, it comes as no surprise that storytelling makes up a strong part of the country’s cultural heritage – something that is being showcased at the second Kampot Writers and Readers Festival.

Historically, communities would gather in the evening after a day labouring in the fields to listen to folktales – passed down from generation to generation – being retold in animated performances that captivated the audience.

“It is this tradition that we want to celebrate,” says festival co-founder Julien Poulson. “We want to highlight oral traditions, oral histories, spoken word, poetry, linguistics, lyricism, song lines and indigenous storytellers.”

The festival made its debut last year with the aim of promoting literacy in Cambodia, where 28.2 per cent of those older than 15 are unable to read or write. It also intended to pay testament to the country’s vibrant arts and literary community. The event proved to be an instant hit despite being put together in just 10 weeks, drawing more than 2,600 people to Kampot, a charming riverside town in southern Cambodia.

“There are very few Cambodian national writers and readers, but there is a culture of great stories,” explains Poulson.