Death in Cambodia, Life in America

In this episode of Death in Cambodia, Life in America, we sit down with award-winning Cambodian-American director and writer, Bunthoeun Real, to dive into his experiences growing up as a Cambodian American and his inspiring journey into filmmaking. Real shares the unique challenges of navigating cultural expectations, the importance of representation in media, and the personal stories behind his acclaimed short film, Donut Boy, which captures the lives of Cambodian American "donut kids."

Throughout the conversation, Real opens up about how family history, trauma, and identity have shaped his storytelling, highlighting the vital role authentic narratives play in connecting with audiences. We discuss the ups and downs of the filmmaking process and how the industry is slowly embracing more diverse voices. Real also shares his aspirations for future projects that will continue to shine a light on Cambodian American experiences.

This episode offers a touching reflection on the power of storytelling as a bridge across generations and a source of healing within communities. Join us as we explore the beauty and strength that come from sharing stories that matter.

Supporting Bunthoeun Real’s Work:

Donut Boy Trailer: https://youtu.be/0dBzAFVro9A?si=8k0YW7ZvFZRBK4Sc
Instagram: @breal2dollaz + @donutboythesis

You can watch Donut Boy at the following upcoming film festivals:

San Diego International Film Festival: October 17, 2024 Local Sighting Film Festival in Seattle (Virtual + In-Person Viewing Options): September 20-September 29, 2024

Elizabeth Becker, a war correspondent and author of When The War Was Over: Cambodia and the Khmer Rouge, discusses her experience in Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge regime. Becker explains how she became interested in Cambodian history and how she ended up as a journalist in Vietnam and Cambodia. Becker highlights the importance of understanding the historical context of Cambodia's involvement in the Vietnam War and the impact of American bombing. She also shares her experience as one of the few journalists allowed into Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge regime and the propaganda she witnessed. Becker discusses the murder of a journalist during her visit and the inconsistencies in the official narrative. She concludes by reflecting on her interview with Pol Pot and the paranoia and delusions of the Khmer Rouge leadership. Elizabeth Becker discusses her experiences in Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge regime and the importance of telling the stories of ordinary people. She talks about her book 'When the War is Over' and the impact it has had. Becker also mentions the movie 'Rendezvous avec Pol Pot' and the emotional toll of being close to such a horrific figure. She emphasizes the need for more media attention on Cambodia and its history.

Supporting Elizabeth Beckers Work

Website
www.elizabethbecker.com

Books
You Don't Belong Here: How Three Women Rewrote the Story of War
When The War Was Over: Cambodia And The Khmer Rouge

Dr. Scott A. Allen, an author, physician and professor, shares his experiences working in refugee camps on the Thai-Cambodian border in the 1980s in his book, Across a Bridge of Fire: An American Teen's Odyssey from the Burn Ward to the Edge of the Cambodian Killing Fields. Dr. Allen highlights the resilience and hope he witnessed in the refugees, despite their difficult circumstances. He also explores the complexities of the Khmer Rouge regime and the challenges faced by women and children in the camps. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Allen emphasizes the importance of sharing and preserving the stories of survivors. He discusses the trauma experienced by Cambodian children in refugee camps and the resilience and optimism he witnessed among the survivors. He also talks about his transition from a relief worker to a resettlement worker for the U.S. Embassy and the challenges faced during the refugee resettlement process. He emphasizes the significance of preserving the history of the Cambodian American community and the contributions they have made to the United States.

Supporting Dr. Allens Work:
Website: drscottallen.com

Read His Book: “Across a Bridge of Fire: An American Teen's Odyssey from the Burn Ward to the Edge of the Cambodian Killing Fields”

Monica Sok, author of A Nail the Evening Hangs On, discusses her upbringing in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and her connection to her Cambodian heritage. She shares how her parents' silence about their refugee experiences and her own curiosity led her to explore her history and pursue poetry. Sok talks about her time studying abroad in Vietnam and Cambodia, which inspired her to commit to writing poetry. She discusses her writing process and the emotional journey of creating her book. Sok discusses the process of writing her book of poems and the responsibility she felt to carry the history of her community. She explains how she created personas in her poems to write about the experiences of her family and community from a safe distance. Sok also reflects on how writing the book has changed her and brought her closer to the Khmer community. She hopes that future generations will learn the importance of their history, remain critical, and continue to fight against empire.

Supporting Monca’s Work:
Website: http://www.monicasok.com

Read Her Book:
A Nail the Evening Hangs On

Director and producer Chris Parkhurst discusses his documentary film 'Elvis of Cambodia' and his journey of exploring the music and legacy of Cambodian artist Sinn Sisamouth. The film beautifully blends the history of the Khmer Rouge with the healing power of Cambodian music. Chris shares how he fell in love with documentary filmmaking and Cambodia during his first visit in 2004. He talks about the challenges of making the film over a span of 10 years and the importance of honoring the family and the country in telling the story. The documentary film, 'Elvis of Cambodia,' explores the life and legacy of Cambodian musician Sinn Sisamouth and the impact of his music on the Cambodian people. The film highlights the resilience of the Cambodian culture and the role of music as a form of survival during the Khmer Rouge regime. It also follows the journey of Sin Setsochhata, Sinn Sisamouth's granddaughter, who becomes a successful Khmer musician. The film aims to bridge the gap between generations and promote healing and understanding of Cambodia's history. Parkhurts hopes that viewers, both Cambodian and non-Cambodian, will gain a deeper appreciation for Cambodian arts and culture.

Links to Parkhurst’s Work:

www.chrisparkhurst.com

www.elvisofcambodia.com

Anne Elizabeth Moore, author of Cambodian Grrrl, shares her experiences in Cambodia, teaching young women about self-publishing and cultural differences. She discusses the impact of the Khmer Rouge and the Chbab Srey on women's rights and freedom of speech. The conversation covers Moore’s experience teaching self-publishing to young women in Cambodia, the impact of the experience on her, the creation of her books, and the evolution of women's rights in Cambodia. It also delves into the complexities of writing about non-Western cultures and the unintended consequences of white saviorism.

Anne’s Work + Social Platforms

Website: https://anneelizabethmoore.com/
Cambodian Grrrrl: Self-Publishing in Phnom Penh: https://a.co/d/5BFhqSj
New Girl Law: Drafting a Future for Cambodia: https://a.co/d/hQ12lPE
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aem.oore

Soreath Hok, a multimedia journalist, shares her journey in the media industry and her focus on reporting on Cambodian-American mental health issues. She discusses her upbringing as a 1.5 generation immigrant and her love for media from a young age. Soreath talks about her experience in college radio and how it led her to pursue a career in journalism. She highlights the importance of representation in the media and the support she has received for her reporting on Cambodian Americans. Soreath also discusses her fellowship at the USC Annenberg Center for Mental Health Journalism and the impact it had on her reporting. Soreath Hok's journalism work focuses on the mental health issues faced by Cambodian refugees and the second generation. She highlights the lack of resources and culturally sensitive care available to these communities. Through her reporting, she sheds light on the trauma and challenges experienced by Cambodian refugees and their descendants. Soreath's articles have been well-received and have won awards. She also explores her own family's story and the donut industry in her writing. Soreath's work is part of a larger movement to bring awareness and healing to the Cambodian American community.

Additional Resources and Soreath's work:

-https://www.kvpr.org/community/2022-11-28/from-cambodia-to-california-survivors-of-the-khmer-rouge-genocide-need-access-to-mental-healthcare

-https://www.kvpr.org/health/2022-11-30/a-program-built-for-and-by-cambodian-refugees-suffering-from-ptsd-participants-say-it-works

-https://www.kvpr.org/local-news/2022-12-02/how-a-temple-and-a-newer-generation-is-carrying-cambodian-tradition-in-fresno

 https://www.kqed.org/news/11945946/the-oakland-program-helping-the-cambodian-community-heal-unspoken-trauma

Legacy of Mrs. Rosalynn Carter and impact on Cambodian refugees: https://www.wbur.org/cognoscenti/2023/12/01/rosalynn-carter-death-cambodian-refugees-thailand-soreath-hok

Dr. Sophal Ear, a Cambodian refugee, shares his journey from escaping the Khmer Rouge to becoming a successful academic and writer. He discusses his multifaceted work, including teaching, research, and consulting, and his passion for paying it forward and giving back. Dr. Ear reflects on the importance of educating the next generation about the Khmer Rouge and Cambodian history. He also shares his experiences growing up in France, the challenges of moving to America, and the impact of his mother's determination. Throughout his journey, Dr. Ear emphasizes the role of others in shaping his success and the importance of community. Sophal Ear shares his journey of choosing a different path from becoming a medical doctor to pursuing political science and economics. He discusses the complexities of development and the flaws in foreign assistance. He also talks about his experience writing about Western academic supporters of the Khmer Rouge and the challenges of publishing a book. He shares the inspiration behind his TED Talk and the creation of a documentary about his family's story of escape from the Khmer Rouge. He concludes with a message to the second generation of Cambodian Americans, emphasizing the importance of appreciating their parents' journey and taking responsibility for continuing the story.

Welcome back to Season 3 of Death in Cambodia, Life in America! We're starting season 3 off strong with a special guest: Dr. Patrick Heuveline. Dr. Heuveline is a sociologist and expert on the long-term consequences of the Khmer Rouge regime, discusses the effects of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia. He explores topics such as the baby boom that occurred after the Khmer Rouge, the mental health effects on survivors and their children, and the transformation of family structures in post-Khmer Rouge Cambodia. Dr. Heuveline also touches on the comparison between the effects of the Khmer Rouge and other genocides, such as the Holocaust and the genocide in Rwanda. The conversation explores the process of healing and reconstruction in Cambodia after the Khmer Rouge regime. It discusses the challenges of conducting research in post-conflict settings and the need for comparative studies. The conversation also highlights the slow healing process at the population level, with younger generations indirectly experiencing the trauma through their interactions with the older generation. The conversation emphasizes the importance of documenting the history, promoting dialogue, and encouraging the diaspora to contribute to the country's development.

Nicholas Coffill's huge passion for live theatre, performances, and sharing a cultures history through photography and music - lead him to create one of the first ever  fully developed photography books about Cambodia today. His book "Photography in Cambodia: 1866 to the Present" is one of the most beautiful coffee table books enriched with photography from ancient times, up until modern day Cambodia. His experience in museum curation allows this book to feel like you are walking through a "museum of photos" that tell the story of Cambodia's past. In this epsiode we discuss how Nick ended up in Cambodia, where did the origins of the book idea come from, and how this book has impacted the lives of Cambodians. 

You may find a copy of his book here: https://www.amazon.com/Photography-Cambodia-Present-Nicholas-Coffill/dp/0804854408

Nicholas Coffills Website: https://museumplanning.weebly.com/index.html