The second annual Kampot Writers and Readers Festival kicked off on Thursday night, launching five-days of events that include poetry slams, literary workshops, book readings, and musical performances. The U.S. Embassy is one of the main sponsors, supporting the participation of several U.S. authors and artists.

Ambassador Heidt spoke at the opening ceremony at the Kampot Traditional Music School for Orphaned and Disabled Children, where he encouraged the young Cambodians in attendance to use the festival as an inspiration to tell their own stories.

“The format doesn’t matter – it can be as something as big as a book and as small as a Facebook post, “ he said. “The important thing is to make your voice heard, in whatever way is best for you.”