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VIRTUAL MEMORIAL PROJECT EVENTS

In recent years, Cambodia has seen an emergence in its Internet infrastructure. This has been in large part due to the government’s commitment to expanding access and improving the quality of the service. The government has increased investment in telecommunications, which has led to the deployment of 4G networks and the construction of new data centers. However, Cambodia’s Internet infrastructure is still in its infancy. This is why the Virtual Memorial project continues to stage live events in all 25 Cambodian provinces.

BEHIND THE SCENES

Sao Sopheak is one of the few female Cambodian filmmakers working internationally. She has shot and directed a number of documentaries about the Khmer Rouge genocide. She says that – being born during the Civil War of the 1980s - it is one her main objectives to explain Cambodia’s recent history to the country’s young generation who still does not know enough about the Khmer Rouge terror and its legacy. In 2019, the Virtual Memorial team recorded 20 testimonials at the Mango Tango Video Studio in Phnom Penh, under direct supervision of Sao Sopheak. The recording and editing team consisted of media professionals and media students.

PROJECT PRESENTATIONS

The Virtual Memorial team continues to tour Cambodian schools and universities to present the project to youth around the country. Events include intergenerational dialogues with Khmer Rouge survivors, screening of short documentaries and recorded video testimonials as well as presentations of our website. In 2019, around 1000 students have participated. Ouk Bunthouen (19) was one of them. Following the VM event he told us: “At home, we have never really spoken about the Pol Pot years. In school, I have learned a little bit about it. Most of this history is new to me. I feel very moved by the testimonials of the survivors. This project makes me want to know more. It enables me to do my own research online. I will tell all my friends about it. I hope that more and more students have the chance to participate.”

EXHIBITION PROJECTS

Since 2015, Meta House / KDKG stages events at Cambodian schools and universities to educate students about the Khmer Rouge history and its legacy. Beside intergenerational dialogue sessions and community theatre, the Phnom Penh-based arts center uses schoolyard exhibitions as an educational tool. These exhibitions feature photography by Choun Sopheap or paintings by senior Cambodian artists such as Chhim Sothy, Sous Sodavy or Hen Sophal. Selected artworks have also been exhibited at Toul Sleng Genocide Memorial and Meta House – both in Phnom Penh – as well as at the Angkor Photo Festival in Siem Reap. Other exhibitions featured drawings made by students, KR survivors and other community member during a number of workshops held in various provinces all over Cambodia.

CIVIL PARTY EVENTS

The Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) is the first court trying international mass crimes that provides an opportunity for victims to participate directly in the trial proceedings as Civil Parties (CPs). CPs are parties in the proceedings against accused persons being prosecuted before the ECCC, and they enjoy rights broadly similar to the prosecution and the defense. CPs can seek collective and moral reparations, but no individual monetary compensation can be awarded. Over 1000 CPs have been directly participating in KDKG / Meta House projects since 2015.

This website contains material that may be disturbing. User discretion is advised. Information or opinions expressed here are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Meta House Phnom Penh, NGO KDKG and its employees. Copyright Virtual Memorial Asia. All rights reserved.