FilmAid in Cambodia

DocuFilm Camp: First-time filmmakers from the predominantly Indigenous Cambodian province of Rattanakiri participated in a 10-day DocuFilm camp to develop films on issues that affect their lives. Sunflower Film Organization (SFO), an Internews partner, taught 14 selected participants skills to source story angles, edit, collect footage, and tell stories, as a steppingstone to documentary production.

The cultural issues students chose in their work included smoking, early marriage and dropping out of school. Other country issues include continued travel restrictions due to COVID-19.

In addition to highlighting issues rarely covered in film or reporting in the area, the camp connected Indigenous Cambodians from different communities. Several participants have stayed in touch with each other and the trainers and project staff, sharing opportunities to further develop their production skills.

““This training does not only provide me with filming skills, but it also helps me to enhance my confidence and communication skills,” said Phoeun Pet, a student from Tampuan. “During the field work, I found in myself the strength to talk with villagers and authority that I have [never] done before due to lack of opportunities.””
The young indigenous Cambodian DocuFilm camp participants edit their storyline and discuss how to select better footage to match the narrative on indigenous dropout rates. Credit: Let’s Document Cambodia

The young indigenous Cambodian DocuFilm camp participants edit their storyline and discuss how to select better footage to match the narrative on indigenous dropout rates. Credit: Let’s Document Cambodia