In Cambodia, major international breweries are battling to win the war over the rapidly growing beer market. Through aggressive marketing, young beer girls, and promises of cash prizes and economic growth, the poor population is encouraged to drink more and more alcohol in one of the world’s most corrupt countries.
We follow an activist who dares to stand up to the beer industry, fighting an uneven battle to introduce a national alcohol law. At the same time, we meet ordinary Cambodians who, as beer sellers, singers, and beer girls, dream that the beer industry might become their path to a different and better life.
Cambodian Beer Dreams portrays what happens to people, ethics, and morality when alcohol and capitalism are unleashed in a poor, corrupt country without restrictions.