The Spirit of Rice

 Directed by LIEN Chakriya, 2023, 27:45min, Krueng indigenous language with English subtitle.

In Team Leu village, Ratanakiri province, most of the farming work takes place in June. The Krueng Indigenous People living here offer parts of their rice harvest in a ceremony to protect them and their family members from illness and death. This is very important: If a farmer does not take part in this tradition, their children, parents, siblings, or other family members are in danger of falling sick or unhappy. Furthermore, their animals could get sick and die as well. Lien Ky and her husband Mao Sarath have three children and make a living by farming. To not only ensure a livelihood but also health and happiness, they hold ceremonies offering rice according to the traditions of their Indigenous culture.