By Emily Martin
Angkor’s Children – screenings in Cambodia
Angkor’s Children is a documentary which began filming in 2010 and after a long labour of love and determination it is going to be screening in Cambodia this month and next!
The story focuses on the re-birth of Cambodia’s culture and art. It’s told through the voices of three young Cambodian women who are the first generation following the Khmer Rouge genocide that killed two million people, including 90% of the artists and intellectuals.
Phounam Pin is an incredibly talented contortionist and artist from Phare who is one of these leading ladies. She shares her story about her journey of transformation from a ‘rubbish picker’ on the streets, to a circus artist who now travels the globe performing.
The documentary, directed by Lauren Shaw, recently premiered in Boston and screened in Phnom Penh as part of “A glimpse from Cambodia” in the Cambodian International Film Festival. This month is being shown in several locations throughout Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Battambang – a way to share these stories and inspire other locals.
A singer of Buddhist poetry, a circus artist from Phare, The Cambodian Circus, and former garment workers, grassroots, protest band; these are ANGKOR’S CHILDREN. Sreypov, Phunam, and Messenger Band have stepped out of the dark past of their parents by expressing the resiliency of Cambodia through their art and advocacy. They are pioneers, and are part of a global movement of women who are changing and inspiring the world. ANGKOR’S CHILDREN is a film of hope for post-conflict nations that are also seeking renewal through cultural and artistic expression.
Lauren Shaw is passionate about shedding light on ‘contemporary’ Cambodia. She believes the world ‘doesn’t know about Cambodia today… it is no longer just about the killing fields. Cambodia is a country which is going through a cultural renaissance, a revival and that is what our film is about.’
Discover this amazing and moving film for yourself:
PHNOM PENH
Cambodian Living Arts is hosting two smaller private screenings in Phnom Penh in collaboration with Lauren Shaw, the director.
These specific screenings are on an invitation-basis.
BATTAMBANG
Wednesday 7th January screening at 7pm at Phare Ponleu Selpak – under the Big Top.
The screening is free of charge (with a donation box available) and open to anyone wishing to attend. Please report to the information desk at the school.
SIEM REAP
Thursday January 8
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- 9:45pm, post-performance at Phare, The Cambodian Circus’s Big Top. 50 seats available – please RSVP. Guests attending the Phare performance will be invited to stay as well.
Friday January 9
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- 10:30am at Build Bright University – please email Hun Phannthang; hun.thang@gmail.com for more information on ticketing
- 9:45pm, post-performance at Phare, The Cambodian Circus’s Big Top. 50 seats available – please RSVP. Guests attending the Phare performance will be invited to stay as well.
Saturday January 10
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- 1:00pm at ACE, High School Road. Limited tickets available to the public – entrance is free and refreshments will be provided.
- 9:45pm, post-performance at Phare, The Cambodian Circus’s Big Top. 50 seats available – please RSVP. Guests attending the Phare performance will be invited to stay as well.
Lauren Shaw (director), Paul Feinberg (producer) and Phunam Pin (super star) will be there for Q&A and mingling after the screenings.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ANGKOR’S CHILDREN
Extract: Phunam Pin from Phare, The Cambodian Circus in Angkor’s Children:
Angkor’s Children: http://angkorschildren.com/about/
Phare, The Cambodian Circus: https://pharecircus.org/
