SURVIVING BOKATOR
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THE CAST

San Kim Sean
Grandmaster San Kim Sean’s story is marked by tragedy and survival. He escaped death in the Cambodian genocide (1975-1979) but was incapable of saving his two young children, from which he vowed to never again be powerless.  He fled Cambodia to train and teach martial arts in exile, but decades later returned upon learning that Bokator was unknown to young Cambodians and was vanishing.  Combing the countryside, he sought out surviving Bokator masters, gaining their support and knowledge. He opened the doors of the Bokator Academy in the capital of Phnom Penh, struggling to train and maintain a dedicated group of young instructors to carry the sport forward into the 21st century.  Today in his 70’s, Grandmaster’s fight to ‘survive Bokator’ continues, with the concern that many of the ancient techniques will pass away with the genocide generation.  

Darith Ung
The 29 year-old former monk is the Bokator Academy’s star instructor and San Kim Sean’s chosen protégé  There is great promise for him, as the aging master is secretly grooming Darith to one day be his replacement.  Like his mentor, Darith too has made his financial sacrifices for Bokator.  He lives at the club and sleeps on the very mats he trains and instructs on.  But soon to be in his 30’s and wanting to secure a future for himself, Darith must confront his needs for self-reliance and financial stability, which are often in direct contrast with his service to Bokator and his master’s dream.

Tharoth Sam –  aka “Little Frog” Kalorntorn
In training to be Cambodia’s first female Bokator instructor, spry and spunky 21-year-old Tharoth is driven by nationalism and determination for female equality in a traditionally male dominated society.  At home she cares for an elderly father who, having been incapacitated by an unusual stroke, is incapable of showing her love and support.  So, she finds ‘family’ in the Bokator Academy and a surrogate father in master San Kim Sean.  But in time she will be forced to make difficult decisions about her loyalties for the future of Bokator.
Buntha Leng
A natural leader, 24-year old Buntha masterfully juggles his commitment to Bokator with a full time job, duties at his family’s cafe and his university studies. He is an exceptional example of the determination young Cambodians have to rise beyond the burdens of their nation’s past and guarantee themselves a bright future.
Eng Sou Mala & Sokkoung Chea
21-year old Mala is one of only two women apprenticing to be a Bokator master. Together with her partner Sokkoung (23), they help Grand Master with administration work while Mala pursues her business education. With the management skills they are developing, the duo dreams of one day opening their own club. This goal may happen sooner than they expect.

 

Vath Chamroeun
A former Olympic wrestler, Secretary General Vath Chamroeun represented Cambodia at the 1996 Atlanta Games, the country’s first since the genocide. Today he oversees all professional and non-professional sport in Cambodia. A staunch supporter of Bokator’s growth, he works hard to ensure that this ancient tradition will stand the test of time.

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

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Mark Bochsler & Sandra Leuba survivingbokator@gmail.com
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