Jessé Miceli’s first feature Coalesce (Les Affluents) is a depiction of conflicting worlds, desires, and destinies.  Set in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh, the film contemplates the city’s rapid urbanization, neon-lit streets, growing wealth and economic disparity, and burgeoning youth culture. 

Reflecting the city itself, a non-professional cast portrays three young people desperately exploring their space and identities in this new world, while seeking out opportunities to find their footing. 

Songsa, an introverted and docile teenager, travels to Phnom Penh’s busy streets to sell clothes out of a tuk-tuk hoping to make a living.  Phearum drives a taxi but has dreams of selling cars to foreign investors. Thy becomes a host in a gay bar to be able to buy a motorcycle and join a bike crew. All interconnecting near the end of the film, their stories share a desire to forge change, to gain freedom, and to not fall behind

Lingering portraits of everyday life, movement, and expression exude Miceli’s love for Cambodia, giving it space and time to breathe, a welcome contrast to the fast-paced energy of Phnom Penh.

- Azarin Sohrabkhani

Screening

Wednesday, March 17 - Thursday, March 18