Cinema: The Bophana Center unveils a series of documentaries in June highlighting Cambodia's tumultuous past

The Bophana Center is set to host a series of documentary screenings throughout June, offering the public a poignant look at Cambodia's turbulent history under the Khmer Rouge regime.

The screenings, which are free to the public, take place every Saturday at 5 p.m. at the Centre Bophana

The program kicks off on June 7 with Pol Pot: The Journey to the Killing Fields, directed by Adrian Maben. This 60-minute documentary, presented in Khmer with English subtitles, traces the life of Pol Pot - born Saloth Sar - from his early years to his rise as leader of the Khmer Rouge and his demise. The film promises a rare, in-depth look at one of the 20th century's most infamous figures.

On June 14, audiences will be transported to the border between Cambodia and Thailand with two short documentaries produced by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in 1989. These films, also in Khmer, chronicle the tireless efforts of aid workers in refugee camps, highlighting stories of survival, family reunification and the ongoing search for the missing. Refugees themselves recount their experiences, offering a deeply personal perspective on the humanitarian crisis.

The series continues on June 21 with acclaimed filmmaker Rithy Panh's 1991 documentary Cambodia: Between War and Peace. Shot during the historic return of King Norodom Sihanouk, this 65-minute film (in Khmer with French subtitles) explores the lingering traumas of the Khmer Rouge era, as well as the hopes and uncertainties of the Cambodian people at a pivotal moment in the country's history.

The month closes on June 28 with Voices of Survival, a 2017 production from the Bophana Center. Through the testimonies of survivors, this 49-minute film (in Khmer with English subtitles) exposes the suffering endured under the Khmer Rouge, constituting a powerful testament to resilience and a reminder of the importance of historical memory.

All screenings are free and open to the public. For those seeking to understand Cambodia's past and honor the stories of its people, the Bophana Center's June agenda offers a significant opportunity for reflection and learning.