Phnom Penh & Cinema: Premiere of "Out Of Darkness" at the Olympia cinema during CIFF

"Out Of Darkness", a film inspired by a true story, takes us on a journey through life's ups and downs, between childhood traumas, grudges and revenge.

Official poster of the film "Out Of Darkness" by Steven Stuart and MK Kilburn

"Out Of Darkness", the perilous journey into the darkness of the city

When I discovered the two main characters (best friends), Nakry and Chornai, as well as Daro (Chornai's brother). I never imagined that the film would turn out the way it did.

Chornai and Daro's father Chan tells them the story of the Khmer Rouge. Daro is still mourning the loss of his best friend at the time, Nakry's father, who was executed by the soldiers. Chan, a man who was prepared to sacrifice his life for that of his best friend, was spared without knowing why.

After having been separated during childhood, it was ten years later that I rediscovered the two new lives of the friends, particularly those of Nakry and Chornai, with many questions. A life guided by the voice of Jesus, a spiritual path that is not the most common in Cambodia for Chornai and his brother Daro, where joie de vivre reigns and daily life is enjoyable.

Nakry, on the other hand, has lived a modest and difficult life, forcing her mother to make choices and turning her life upside down, leading the two best friends to meet again... where childhood traumas, revenge and deep friendship collide.

It's an intriguing film, and the director and his team were able to clear up some misunderstandings during the Q&A session at the end of the screening:

"The film team wanted to retain the authenticity of the true story that inspired us to make this project. For example, the choice to follow the voice of Jesus for Chornai and his family was one of the elements we wanted to keep true to life.”

While certain elements of the film may, in a sense, depart from traditional Khmer codes, the essence of the film, which draws on the history of the Khmer Rouge, has obviously provoked a great deal of reaction from audiences.

"Thank you for highlighting the reality of these traumas. The nightmares Nakry has in the film are really that. The memories, images and words we hear from the Khmer Rouge haunt us", said a viewer at the screening.

According to the Out Of Darkness team, the film's message is one of hope, forgiveness and living together.

"This film is just the beginning. Cambodia has such a great story to tell that we want to follow it up," concluded the director.

About the authors

Steven Stuart is an award-winning American filmmaker who for many years ran his own video production company in New England, specialising in promotional videos for non-profit and corporate organisations. Steve now leads an international team of filmmakers and media trainers and has had the privilege of making films in over a dozen countries.

~MK~ is the Executive Director of Rogue Marble and has dedicated his life to creating compelling stories through film, short film, commercials and a myriad of digital media. With a lifelong passion for storytelling, his mission is to inspire, engage and transform through the lens of cinematic purpose.

https://roguemarble.org/cambodia-film-2023/

https://cambodiaiff.com/