PHNOM PENH, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The third edition of Cambodia Asian Film Festival (CAFF) has been held here in the capital of Cambodia, showcasing many captivating movies from Asian countries including Cambodia, China, Indonesia, India, and Kyrgyzstan.

Fifteen films, shortlisted from 150 submitted films, have been screening for free at the Fable Cinema in Phnom Penh from Sept. 4 to 8, said the CAFF.

Cambodian Minister of Culture and Fine Arts Phoeurng Sackona said on Saturday evening that the CAFF was a bridge for building mutual understanding among countries in Asia.

"The CAFF is not only an activity to gather filmmakers and artists in the film industry, but also an important contribution to deepening friendship and a testament to the establishment of long-term partnerships and mutual respect among countries," she said in a speech during a film awarding ceremony.

Sackona said the event was also essential to heighten friendship and cooperation in culture between Cambodia and China as well as other countries in the region.

She added that the CAFF was also an opportunity for film directors, producers, experts and artists from different countries to share knowledge and experience and to seek new investment opportunities in the film industry and culture.

"I hope that the partnership established here will pave the way for future production collaborations, technical exchanges and creative sharing in the film industry, contributing to the sustainable growth of the film industry and preserving the richness of our cultural heritage," she said.

Pok Borak, director of the Department of Cinema and Cultural Promotion of Cambodia's Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, said a total of 10 feature-length films and five short films had been selected by the jury for screening at this festival.

"Most of the films are from China, India, Kyrgyzstan, and some Southeast Asian countries," he told Xinhua.

Borak said Chinese films have their special features and the compositions are compelling because they are intertwined and go well with social situation and technological evolution.

Cambodian artist Ou Davy said she would love to watch both Cambodian and Chinese movies at the event.

"I'm an avid fan of Chinese films," she told Xinhua. "I am fond of Chinese films because their performing actions look real, so I am fully immersed in the films, responding with sadness or anger," Davy said. "The Chinese films that I like to watch the most are classic fantasy films, with magical elements and meditation." ■