Philong SOVAN
President of Photo Phnom Penh Association and School Director of Studio Images - House of Photography
EN
Philong SOVAN (born 1986) is a distinguished Cambodian photographer, educator, and cultural figure based in Phnom Penh. As the President of the Photo Phnom Penh Association and Director of Studio Images - House of Photography, he plays a leading role in advancing photography education and development in Cambodia.
In addition to his institutional work, Philong is an independent photographer, with his practice spanning photojournalism, personal projects, and fine art photography. Philong began his photography career in 2009 as a press photographer, later joining The Phnom Penh Post, where he documented Cambodia’s rapidly evolving social and political landscape. He further expanded his experience by working for Xinhua News Agency in 2011, capturing significant global stories. Throughout his career, Philong has balanced his journalistic work with a deep commitment to personal creative projects, many of which have been exhibited both in Cambodia and internationally. His work with Studio Images at the French Cultural Center was notably featured in the prestigious Photo Phnom Penh festival.
Philong’s early achievements include winning the Best Reportage award at the 2010 Angkor Photo Workshop in Siem Reap, Cambodia, which solidified his reputation as a skilled visual storyteller. In 2012, he earned an Honorable Mention Prize from the Society of Publishers in Asia (SOPA), further establishing his credibility within photojournalism. In 2013, he was awarded the Ma Samaritaine Grand Prize in Paris, a pivotal moment that marked his emergence on the global photography stage. His career continued to flourish with the Grand Prix at Wonder Foto Day 2019 in Taipei, Taiwan, recognizing the strength and depth of his photographic work. Most recently, in 2024, he received the Asian Prix at CITY PHOTO SAGAMIHARA 2024 in Japan, further cementing his international stature.
Philong’s academic journey took him to France, where in 2012 he received a French government grant to study at the École Nationale Supérieure Louis Lumière, one of the world’s leading photography schools. During his studies, he focused on analog photography and printmaking techniques, refining his craft and artistic vision. His work has been exhibited extensively around the world, including in France, Great Britain, Japan, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, Argentina, and Thailand.
Philong’s projects have appeared in major publications such as Gala Magazine, The Guardian, Le Monde Magazine, L’EXPRESS Style, Internazionale Italy, Globe Magazine, L'OEIL de la Photographie, and De l’air, among others. Philong’s art is represented by Galerie Lee in Paris and Batia Sarem Gallery in Siem Reap, ensuring that his work continues to reach a global audience while contributing to the cultural landscape of Cambodia.