Spotlight on Documentary: CAMBODIAN SON

Watch Trailer Director: Masahiro Sugano

CAMBODIAN SON documents the life of deported poet, Kosal Khiev after receiving the most important performance invitation of his career—to represent the Kingdom of Cambodia at the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad. Kosal would travel to London having only taken two flights prior; first, as a 1-year-old refugee child whose family fled Cambodia and, then as a 32-year-old criminal “alien” forcibly returned to Cambodia in 2011. The film follows a volatile yet charming and talented young man who struggles to find his footing amongst a new freedom that was granted only through his deportation. Kosal’s London representation is a triumphant moment for many people in his life, both in America and Cambodia. The film traces the impact and significance of this moment for Kosal, his friends, family, mentors and a growing international fan base. Armed only with memorized verses, he must face the challenges of being a deportee while navigating his new fame as Phnom Penh’s premiere poet. After the performances end and the London stage becomes a faint memory, Kosal is once again left alone to answer the central question in his life: “How do you survive when you belong nowhere?”

There will be a Q&A session with Director Masahiro Sugano following the screening.

Born in Osaka, Japan, Masahiro Sugano, a Sundance Film Festival alumni, is an award-winning filmmaker. Mr. Sugano released a web series on PBS.org titled “VERSES IN EXILE” as a prequel to CAMBODIAN SON. Through his media lab Studio Revolt, Mr. Sugano has introduced Cambodian Neo-Realism to a young generation of eager Khmer filmmakers. He is currently working on several script ideas for his next feature length movie project. He spends his time between the U.S. and the Asia-Pacific region

This screening is part of the Athena’s SPOTLIGHT ON DOCUMENTARY SERIES and is sponsored by the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, Global Leadership Center, housing and residence life, Film division, International Student Union, and the International Week Committee.