The documentaries produced by young filmmakers within the framework of the project “Amplifying Voices of Indigenous Women and Discriminated Groups through innovative multimedia” implemented by Bophana Center, showing the struggles of the Cambodian people in Banteay Meanchey during the COVID-19 pandemic and migration to Thailand.

1. No Choice
Directed by Roda Din, 2020, 11mn, Khmer version with English subtitles
Mrs. Roum and her family were working in Thailand, but the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic required them to return to Cambodia. Now, she and her husband work on a construction site at the Teuk Thla Bridge in Serey Sophoan. However, they are forced to bring their three children — ages 4, 12 and 14 — with them to work every day because they cannot afford to send them to school.

2. Apart
Directed by Pring Proel, 2020, 15mn, Khmer version with English subtitles
At the end of each rainy season, Nu Pheun and Phem Sarun would usually go to Thailand in search of work — only this year the borders are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, despite the restrictions, the two decide to take their chances and cross illegally, bringing along their 18-year-old son.

The screening will be followed by a talk with a filmmaker Mr. Roda Din regarding “Life under the pressure of COVID-19 and migration”, conducted in Khmer. A Q&A session will be open for our audience.

Thursday, June 10, 2021, at 5PM, on Facebook page (Bophana Center).