'Enemies of the People' Garners Rights Award

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Filmmaker Thet Sambat interviewing former Khmer Rouge leader Nuon Chea in his home. (Photo: Courtesy of Thet Sambath)

Men Kimseng, VOA Khmer
New York Monday, 21 June 2010

Co-producer Thet Sambath, who remained in Cambodia for the screening, said the film was “very crucial to show to people…to understand human rights violations and the leading of a country to disaster.”

A documentary that explores the leadership of the Khmer Rouge and its decision-making, “Enemies of the People,” has won another award at this year’s Human Rights Watch Film Festival.

The film, which contains rare interviews with Khmer Rouge ideologue Nuon Chea, who is currently detained for atrocity crimes at the UN-backed tribunal, was shown for three days at Walter Reade Theater in New York.

The Nestor Almendros Award was given to "Enemies of the People" for its courage and commitment, John Biaggi, director of the festival, said.

Co-producer Thet Sambath, who remained in Cambodia for the screening, said the film was “very crucial to show to people…to understand human rights violations and the leading of a country to disaster.”

The film also won prizes at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year.

A second Cambodian documentary, “Red Light,” will have its premiere in New York this week. That film, produced with the help of opposition lawmaker Mu Sochua, examines Cambodia’s sex industry.