In a vibrant tribute to resilience and heritage, the creative collective ‘Feel The Warmth’ has launched Apsara Granny 2.0, a project honouring the beauty and cultural legacy of Cambodia’s elderly women. Timed to coincide with International Women’s Day 2025, this initiative builds on last year’s viral success, spotlighting the stories of grandmothers supported by the Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF) through stunning photography and community engagement.

The project, led by photographers Ken Bo, Hao Taing, and Raphael Pech, transforms these matriarchs into embodiments of Cambodia’s iconic apsara dancers, adorned in traditional costumes and gold ornaments. More than a visual celebration, Apsara Granny 2.0 aims to restore dignity to women who have faced decades of hardship, poverty, and, for some, the horrors of the Khmer Rouge era. “This campaign is dedicated to the Cambodian granny, the Cambodian mom, the Cambodian auntie,” said Hao Taing. “Thank you for inspiring us through your resilience and kindness.”

A Cultural Movement with Deep Roots

Following the global resonance of the inaugural Apsara Grannies project in 2024, this year’s iteration delves deeper into the lived experiences of Cambodia’s elders. Among the participants is 61-year-old Granny Vanny, the youngest featured in the series, who expressed her excitement ahead of the photoshoot. “I couldn’t sleep well last night as I was so looking forward to today and to wearing the apsara costume,” she shared with a beaming smile.

The initiative also draws inspiration from last year’s standout figure, 104-year-old Granny Mao, whose transformation from a scavenger at the Steung Meanchey garbage dump to a celebrated cultural icon captured hearts worldwide. Her story, alongside that of 79-year-old Granny Raksa, who now mentors young girls through CCF’s Girls2Grannies Programme, underscores the project’s mission to highlight survival and wisdom. “Every wrinkle tells a story of survival and an unyielding will to thrive,” noted Huang Hao, founder of Local4Local and a key collaborator with CCF.

The photographs, taken with care to avoid tiring the participants, are not just images but narratives of lives well-lived. “We kept the shoot short to avoid fatigue, hoping to bring smiles to Cambodians,” Huang Hao explained. “This is just the start—we aim to create more uplifting content.”

Bridging Generations Through Art

Apsara Granny 2.0 extends beyond photography, engaging CCF students in artistic interpretations of the images. An upcoming exhibition at CCF’s Neeson Cripps Academy in Phnom Penh will showcase the work, accompanied by a catalogue crafted by student artists, designers, and writers. Later in 2025, a public “Meet The Grannies” event will invite supporters to connect directly with these inspiring women and hear their stories firsthand.

CCF campaign coordinator Hem Len emphasised the cultural significance of the project, particularly ahead of Mother’s Day on 12 May. “The project celebrates older women’s role in Khmer culture,” she said, noting that participants were chosen for their confidence and resilience. For many of these women, donning the apsara costume—a symbol of Cambodia’s ancient artistry rooted in the Angkorian era—offers a profound reconnection with their heritage.

Sustaining a Legacy

To ensure the initiative’s impact endures, the Apsara Granny 2.0 photographs will be available for purchase, with all proceeds supporting CCF’s Granny Programme, which provides care and community for elderly women in need. Donations can also be made directly through CCF’s website, offering a tangible way for admirers to contribute to the cause.

The project also aligns with broader efforts to uplift Cambodia’s image through tourism and storytelling. Huang Hao’s Local4Local initiative, guided by the “3Ps”—People, Place, and Plate—seeks to present Cambodia beyond its historical traumas, often encapsulated in references to “stones and skulls” tied to the Angkor Wat temples and the Khmer Rouge genocide. “Feel The Warmth tells stories of Cambodia that celebrate its living heritage,” he said.

Honouring Age as a Journey

Apsara Granny 2.0 is a poignant reminder that ageing is not a decline but a journey of honour. In a society where elderly women are often overlooked, this project reframes their wrinkles as badges of endurance and their stories as treasures of wisdom. From Granny Mao’s remarkable century of survival to Granny Vanny’s childlike anticipation, each participant embodies the spirit of Cambodia’s past and present.

As the movement gains momentum, it invites the world to see Cambodia through the eyes of its matriarchs—women who have weathered unimaginable challenges yet continue to inspire with their warmth and strength. In the words of Raphael Pech, “I just love capturing street scenes and apsara.” Through his lens, and those of his fellow creators, the essence of Cambodia’s grannies shines as brightly as the gold they wear.