Chris Kelly filming people demonstrating at their eviction.
A Derry-born film-maker who
has spent more than three years documenting the lives of Cambodians
caught up in the country’s chaotic and often violent economic progress
is hoping the film will be released next year.
“The Cause of Progress” - which is set against the
backdrop of the shifting political, religious and familial landscapes of
modern-day Cambodia - is being directed by Chris Kelly (31), who’s
originally from Derry.
Chris says the film explores the impact of
progress on modern society - from the corruption of the national
religion to the disintegration of the family, to the abusive power and
kleptocracy of the ruling political elite.
“The Cause of Progress”
explores the impact of development on modern Cambodian society through
the lives of three individuals caught up in a struggle to live and
survive in the face of forced eviction.
Chris Kelly became
interested in Cambodia when he visited in 2006 as a tourist and decided
he wanted to make a film about the country - but, crucially, focusing on
an issue not normally dealt with in film.
“I had seen alot of
films about Cambodia. They were mostly about the Khmer Rouge and the
tribunals,” says Chris. “I wanted to say something about what was
happening currently in Cambodia... and what the problems were.”
After
some research, he realised “it was pretty obvious that land rights and
human rights [violations] and corruption were problematic issues for
modern day life, so I wanted to try to address them.”
The subjects of his film are all members of communities uprooted in forced evictions.
Although
unsure about what change his film can bring about, Chris is optimistic
that it can highlight important issues to the wider world.
More information on the film - which is currently in post-production - can be found at The Cause of Progress” website.
1 comment:
Dear Mr.Kelly,
We thank you for choosing and producing the film
about the plight of the Khmer people.
The problems and the miseries continue to plague the Khmer people until and unless the source can be uprooted.
The now Khmer leaders were selected, not elected.
In order to fulfill their Master Plan, Hanoi selected and supported key Khmer Vietminhs to govern and rule Cambodia as a Viet vassal state.
The uneducated, power and wealth hungry Khmer
Vietminhs, namely Hun Sen had their dreams realized. Now here comes payback time !
Since they did not have any personal assets to pay with, they must resort to using the national ones.
Thereby, illegal treaties were made, laws were broken, democracy and human rights were deprived.
As you had indicated, we must bring out the Khmer problems to the wider world.
To prosper and keep peace within, Vietnam like Cambodia needs foreign monies and international
supports.
Khmer nationalists around the world, led by Dr. Sam Rainsy, for example can and must expose Vietnam's long standing Master Plan of annexing Cambodia.
We aught to rally the support of the international community in general, and the signatory countries
of the 1993 Peace Accord in particular.
1. We shall organize annual protests in front of Vietnamese embassies around the world every January 7th.
2. Formally file a request with the UN, through a sponsor member if necessary for a sanction on Vietnam and its key leaders.
Khmer Girl
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