Re: Endorsement of Who Killed Chea Vichea?
To the Peabody Award Committee:
I write to endorse resoundingly the outstanding Who Killed Chea Vichea?,
a documentary film which speaks volumes not only about the impunity and
injustices existing in present-day Cambodia but also about the
tenacity, the courage, the sacrifice, the brilliance of the filmmakers
in casting light on the macabre existence of a long-suffering Cambodian
people on film for the international audience.
The
film deeply draws us—both Cambodian and non-Cambodian watchers alike—in
with its brilliant, dangerous detective work to uncover the
high-profile killing of Chea Vichea committed at the highest level of
government. The feat made the more astounding because it is Cambodia
where nothing is what it seems, even after one has peeled and peeled and
peeled away the layers of obfuscation and obstruction. The other feat
made equally impressive is the filmmakers’ ability to captivate audience
who may not know much about Cambodia in telling this complex yet simple
real-life political murder mystery.
I
knew Chea Vichea as a friend and colleague and knew about the making of
this film from its earliest stages. I saw the rough cut of the film as
well as watched it a couple of times since its public release,
including as a panelist with students at the University of Michigan. I
am spell-bound every time I watch it. Other reactions have been one of
awe, shock and disbelief at the real-life drama.
It
is an important story for all audiences, both in and outside Cambodia,
because it has relevance for all audiences. For example, Cambodia has
an annual national budget of 2 Billion US dollars, half of which come
from international assistance, the hard-earned money of tax-payers of
mainly western nations. These taxpayers need to understand better how
their money is being used in a place like Cambodia. Who Killed Chea
Vichea? opens the door to this understanding.
Who Killed Chea Vichea?
achieves excellence in all spheres of filmmaking from reporting to
editing to drama to music. It deserves the recognition for its
excellence of the Peabody Award. For me personally, the film is a great
measure of justice rendered to Chea Vichea’s family, his friends and
human rights in Cambodia.
Please feel free to contact me at
theary.seng@gmail.com or +855.12.222.552 should you have any queries regarding this endorsement.
Shalom,
Theary C. Seng
Founding President
CIVICUS: Center for Cambodian Civic Education
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