Cinema in Cambodia Diversified by Special Screening with Echoes from the Land: Untold Stories
In a world where the delicate balance between man and nature is increasingly strained, the voices of those who live closest to the land often echo the loudest. On Thursday, February 15, 2024, at the F3 (Friends Futures Factory), audiences gathered for an intimate exploration of these echoes through the lens of emerging and indigenous filmmakers in Cambodia. Organized by the Sunflower Film Organization, the event, titled “Under the Canopy,” offered a captivating lineup of short films, followed by an insightful conversation with Sum Sithen, the executive director of the organization.
Sum Sithen, a prominent figure in the Cambodian film industry, curated a selection of films that delved into pressing environmental and social issues faced by communities across the country. Each film, with English subtitles, offered a poignant glimpse into the lives of those grappling with the consequences of deforestation, environmental degradation, and shifting agricultural practices.
The screening commenced with “Waste Forest,” a seven-minute documentary by LENG Sreng. Set in the isolated village of Mondul 3 within the Angkor Park forest, the film shed light on the detrimental impact of indiscriminate waste disposal on both the environment and the livelihoods of local residents.
Following this, “New Occupation, Old Land” directed by KHOT Son and KIN Leang, told the story of Put Voeun, a member of the Kouy indigenous community in Kampong Thom. Voeun’s transition from rice cultivation to cassava farming underscored the complex interplay between traditional practices and modern challenges such as deforestation and industrialization.
“Forest of Life” by VORN Trai painted a vivid portrait of the Mel ethnic people in Kratie, whose way of life is intricately tied to the land and forests they inhabit. Despite facing numerous threats, the community members of Paklae village demonstrated unwavering resilience in their efforts to protect their natural resources.
The evening culminated with “Our Land, Our Food,” a poignant reflection on the interconnectedness between land, food, and culture in Kampong Thom. Directed by SIEN Sokny and NHAN Klan, the film highlighted the profound impact of climate change and development activities on the availability of essential food resources for rural communities.
“Under the Canopy” not only provided a platform for these untold stories to be heard but also sparked meaningful dialogue about the urgent need for environmental stewardship and sustainable development. As the credits rolled, it was evident that the echoes from the land resonated far beyond the confines of the cinema, serving as a call to action for us all to protect and preserve our shared planet.
This event was made possible through the generous support of partner organizations Friends-International and Creative Generation, as well as the contributions of Debra Fram, Eric Schwartz, and the U.S. Embassy in Cambodia.
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Author: Tom Starkey
Tom Starkey is an International Development graduate from Sussex University with 12-years of experience across 4 continents, Tom's goal is that he wants to showcase his love for Cambodia, where he lives, works and now happily calls home.
