Banteay Chhmar is the second largest temple in Cambodia, but because of its position, way off the beaten track, and close to the Thai border, it is still largely unvisited, receiving only around 2,000 visitors a year (against the millions who visit Angkor Wat).
This film is largely about the temple and the village community that surrounds it, as they prepare for the water festival (Bon Om Tuk) and the boat race which is held on the moats around the temple.
The film features Sopeng, Sreymom and their family. Now it just so happens that when I went to Banteay Chhmar for photography in 2012 Sopeng acted as my guide, so it is interesting to catch up with him in this film.
The film is a pleasant look at local customs and life in rural Cambodia, but it also does show some of the splendours of the temple itself, which has some of the finest relief work in the country.
For photography from the temple itself, please see my album from Banteay Chhmar, and there is also an interesting lecture about the site by Oliver Cunin elsewhere in this collection.
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