Rithy, along with director Ieu Pannakar, has developed Bophana: Audio Visual Resource Center – Cambodia, with an aim towards preserving the country's film, photographic and audio history.
Some novels written by Shahnon include Ranjau Sepanjang Jalan (1966)—which has been adapted into a film called Rice People directed by Cambodian film director Rithy Panh, Rentong (1965), Srengenge (1973)—which won the Malaysian Novel of the Year in 1970, and Terdedah (1965).
Filmmaker Rithy Panh's 2005 docudrama, The Burnt Theatre, is set in the remains of the theatre, and depicts a theatre troupe struggling to practice their art and keep fine arts alive in Cambodia.