SURVIVING BOKATOR
  • ABOUT
    • THE FILM
    • THE TEAM
    • THE CAST
  • PRESS
  • SUPPORT
    • Press Kit
  • WATCH
    • HOST A SCREENING
  • GALLERY
  • BLOG
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

Surviving Bokator Documentary – 2019 Year in Review

January 31, 2020Sandra Leuba

Dear friends, colleagues and supporters,

As this successful year comes to an end we express gratitude to you all for such overwhelming support.

It is also a time for reflection as December is Human Rights month, including the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of Genocide. We pause to remember the Cambodian lives tragically lost during the reign of the brutal Khmer Rouge regime 40 years ago.

We, Mark Bochsler and Sandra Leuba, are honoured that our documentary Surviving Bokator has played a role in amplyifying the voice of Cambodian genocide survivors fighting to preserve the memories of loved ones and restoring important cultural traditions once at risk of disappearing.

About the Film

 “Surviving Bokator is crucial and strategic in bringing back hope that the Cambodian people can and will survive, as will the Bokator art.”
– Sopheak Kheng, President, Cambodian Coordinating Council
Surviving Bokator is a powerful story about reclaiming cultural identity and building bridges between generations. Filmed over five years, it tells of the struggle of an older genocide survivor to resurrect the ancient Cambodian martial art of Bokator — virtually lost during the brutal Khmer Rouge regime — and preserve it for the nation’s youth. Watch our trailer and learn more here.

Our Year in Review

“One of the most compelling docs we have screened this year”
– Sunny Huang, Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival

Festivals Around the World

Surviving Bokator has premiered at the Cambodia International Film Festival, Austin Film Festival, Philadelphia Asian American Festival, Hamilton Film Festival, and most recently at the Refugees Film Festival in Berlin. Next is one of India’s largest film festivals the Jaipur International Film Festival in January. Each screening was unique, featuring demonstrations by Bokator’s first female leader Tharoth Sam, Khmer musical performances, or blessings by Cambodian monks and engaging discussions with community leaders, issue experts and the filmmakers.

Connecting with Communities

In addition to helping Khmer people reconnect with their roots, Surviving Bokator has become a tool to heal, celebrate, educate and advocate by NGOs, Cambodian associations, libraries, museums and places of worship, as well as martial arts enthusiasts.

This spring found Mark, Sandra & Tharoth on the road most weekends in different US cities presenting screenings, facilitating discussions and bringing excitement with live Bokator demonstrations. (Check out our slideshow on Facebook!)

Everywhere we were welcomed warmly, and people were touched by the key messages of the film and presentation. There were large events like the Festival Of Nations in Minneapolis which showcased Khmer culture where Bokator was highlighted in demonstrations and training sessions, followed by screenings, all in collaboration with iKare and Khmer Legacy Museum. And after the USA Film Festival in Dallas everyone could enjoy Khmer culture, Khmer delicatessen and music at the fantastic party at Wat Jetapan Khemararam. We held various screenings including high school and college engagements in Boston/Lowell, MA, and a screening at the Khmer Arts Academy in Long Beach, CA which evolved into an intense audience-led discussion forum.

Educational Screenings

“This film can contribute to community healing by opening lines of dialogue between generations, a socially valuable outcome.” 
– Shawna M. Lesseur, University of Connecticut

The success with Surviving Bokator’s screenings and discussions brought the invitation to join CATCH Academic Series: War and Genocide, Survival & Healing: Conversations About Cambodia working in partnership with noted scholar and expert Dr. Christine Su to bring the film and related workshops to post secondary students.

Bokator Makes History!

For the first time, Bokator fighters competed at the South East Asian Games this fall in the Philippines, and even won medals.  We are anxiously awaiting Bokator’s official UNESCO recognition slated for 2020. Learn more about Bokator here. 

Awards + Press

“One of the must-watch documentaries of the year”
– Carl Broughton, FilmEra Review

Awards

European Cinematography Award (Best Documentary)
Global Film Festival Awards Los Angeles (Best First Time Director)
NYC Indie Film Awards (Platinum Winner)
Asia Pacific (Golden Award Winner)
IndieFest Film Awards (Asia Documentary)
Impact Doc Award
(among others)
Press reviews

Host a Screening

We are excited that many communities have reached out to express their interest for screenings and live Bokator performances. If you are interested in bringing Surviving Bokator to your community, organization or classroom please contact: survivingbokator@gmail.com

Thank you!

We are very grateful to the individuals and organizations who have supported Surviving Bokator’s journey so far with their warmth and generosity through financial, travel, and outreach assistance. None of this work would be possible without you.

The journey is far from over and much is planned for 2020. So please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter  to stay up to date and encourage others to subscribe to this e-bulletin.

Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a prosperous 2020!

Sincerely,

Mark & Sandra
The Surviving Bokator Impact Team

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

LINKS

  • ABOUT
    • THE FILM
    • THE TEAM
    • THE CAST
  • PRESS
  • SUPPORT
    • Press Kit
  • WATCH
    • HOST A SCREENING
  • GALLERY
  • BLOG

Recent Posts

  • Kun Bokator clubs receive ‘Surviving Bokator’ funds for COVID
  • In Conversation with filmmaker Mark Bochsler & Bokator grandmaster Sean Kim San
  • “Surviving Bokator” gets recognition at Milano Int’l FICTS Festival
  • ‘Surviving Bokator’ earns world championship win in sport cinema
  • Documentary made available online to help Bokator clubs survive

Connect with Us

Email
Facebook
Twitter
CINEBOXX FILM & TELEVISION INC.
Mark Bochsler & Sandra Leuba survivingbokator@gmail.com
©2020 Surviving Bokator Inc. All Rights Reserved