Building on the resounding success of last year’s Apsara Grannies project—which celebrated the timeless beauty, resilience, and cultural legacy of Cambodian grandmothers on Mother’s Day—the creative collective from ‘Feel The Warmth’ has partnered with Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF) to unveil Apsara Granny 2.0.
This innovative initiative celebrates International Women’s Day 2025, reimagining tradition through a contemporary lens and honoring the grannies cared for by Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF).
Five more CCF grannies have been honoured in celebration of International Women's Day 2025 and to raise funds for CCF’s Granny Program to help more vulnerable elderly women in need.
Last year, two CCF grannies became the first Apsara Grannies.
Granny Mao, 104, and Granny Rin, 79, - were selected to participate in a photo shoot where they wore the traditional dress of Apsara dancers.
Their stunning photographs, taken by a local photographer, gained widespread attention on social media in Cambodia, local newspapers, and TV, and helped raise funds for the Granny Program.
This campaign is dedicated to the Cambodian granny, the Cambodian mom, the Cambodian auntie
The Apsara Granny 2.0 Project is the brainchild of photographers Ken Bo, Hao Taing, and Raphael Pech, a creative collective called ‘Feel The Warmth’
The heartwarming initiative restores dignity, confidence, and joy to Cambodia’s elderly women, many of whom have faced hardship and poverty. Working with CCF, these grannies had the opportunity to reconnect with their cultural heritage by dressing in traditional Apsara attire and sharing their stories.
More than just a photoshoot, the initiative fosters intergenerational connections and celebrates the beauty of Cambodia’s elders.
“This campaign is dedicated to the Cambodian granny, the Cambodian mom, the Cambodian auntie, thank you for inspiring us through your resilience and kindness,” said Hao Taing.
As the youngest participant in the Apsara Granny 2.0 Project, Granny Vanny at 61 years old said on the day of the photoshoot, “I couldn’t sleep well last night as I was so looking forward to today and to wearing the Apsara costume.”
Following the viral impact and heartfelt public response to last year’s campaign—which showcased not only the aesthetics of Cambodian tradition but also the lived experiences of its matriarchs—Apsara Granny 2.0 aims to further empower women by shining a light on their ongoing contributions to society.
The project stands as a reminder that every wrinkle tells a story of survival, wisdom, and the unyielding will to thrive against all odds.
The six new Apsara Grannies were transformed in a photo shoot.
Accompanying the photo series, CCF student engagement initiatives will offer interpretations of the Apsara Granny 2.0 photographs. The project includes an exhibition at CCF’s Neeson Cripps Academy, with an exhibition catalogue produced by student artists, designers, and writers to document the work.
Later in the year, a public presentation is planned to showcase all the artwork of Apsara Granny 2.0, inviting supporters to “Meet The Grannies.”
The Apsara Granny 2.0 photographs will be on sale with all proceeds being donated to CCF’s Granny Program.
