Between 1965 and 1969 Sihanouk wrote, directed and produced nine feature films, a figure that would put the average workaholic Hollywood director to shame. Sihanouk took the business of making films very seriously, and family and officials were called upon to do their bit-the minister of foreign affairs played the male lead in Sihanouk's first feature, Apsara (Heavenly Nymph; 1965), and his daughter Princess Bopha Devi the female lead. When, in the same movie, a show of military hardware was required, the air force was brought Into action, as was the arm/s fleet of helicopters.

Sihanouk often took on the leading role himself. Notable performances saw him as a spirit of the forest and as a victorious general. Perhaps it was no surprise, given the king's apparent addiction to the world of celluloid dreams, that Cambodia should challenge Cannes and Berlin with its Phnom Penh International Film Festival. The festival was held twice, in 1968 and 1969. Sihanouk won the grand prize on both occasions. He continued to make movies in later life and it is believed he has made 28 films during his remarkable career.