The Khmerican’s inaugural Must Watch Top 12 for 2012 list is an opinion-based photo essay of Khmer America’s leading public figures compiled by CEO and Co-Founder, Phatry Derek Pan.
Health fades for Tuol Sleng witness
Phnom Penh Post
March 10 - 23, 2006
Turning suffering into beauty - through capturing the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unspeakable brutality - has been a hallmark of Vann Nath’s life and work. As one of only three living survivors from Tuol Sleng prison, his paintings provide an artistic record of the genocidal regime. Yet his work transcends mere documentation - his paintings seek to both illuminate and give meaning to the collective suffering of Cambodians under the Khmer Rouge.
“After the Khmer Rouge fell, I did not want to pursue painting, but I wanted to share a part of me through this medium for the public to understand about the suffering of others and myself under S-21,” Nath said. “I paint now not with the business aspect in mind, but to spread this suffering and to put meaning to the lives lost.”
Freshie fever
December 30, 2005 - January 12, 2006
Volume 14, Number 26
For 16-year-old Saray Sakana the transformation from high school student to aspiring supermodel has brought about some serious lifestyle changes.
Until a few weeks ago, most of her time was spent rushing between public school, English lessons and private classes. Any free moments she had were generally allocated to helping with household chores and her three younger siblings.
But these days Sakana finds herself under a microscope. Her time is spent fine-tuning her every action. The way she looks, speaks and acts is now a matter of much scrutiny.
How the Internet makes its presence felt
December 19 - 29, 2005
How the Internet makes its presence felt
Once a domain reserved for tourists and foreigners, ever-cheaper Web cafes across Phnom Penh are now packed with young Cambodians. And as the cost of WEb access and personal computers continues to drop, observers expect to see many more households across the country acquiring a second address—for e-mail. In a series of interviews conducted by Cheng Meng and Phatry Derek Pan for the Post, two men—one credited with bringing email to Cambodia in 1994 and the other a co-founder of the world’s largest Khmer website—talk about their work.
The break dancers of Bassac
December 16 - 29, 2005
Each evening around 6:30 pm, Sobil Tuy’s bare-bones apartment deep in the Keo Preah Phloeung community begins to fill up with dozens of exuberant, youthful neighbors. T-shirts hung on the wall serve as the lone decorations and hip-hop music beats from a small stereo. The atmosphere is one of casual chaos.
Then, at a word from Tuy, the group, which ranges in age from three to 24, gets serious. They begin to stretch and perform calisthenics in preparation for the rigors ahead. Because, as unlikely as it seems in Cambodia’s capital, there is about to be some breakdancing.
In the Spotlight: Nath Keo, music artist
- The "dancing machine" Nath Keo is back on the spotlight! This time around, he has tossed his bellydancing shoes to the side to clutch a mic. In December 2003, the man with many talented masks released his first Khmer album "Sgnath Sgnath - Keep Quiet" to the world. In this Rajana exclusive interview, he shares about the making of the album, his recent trip to Cambodia and other odd tidbits (and we mean odd). Don't be surprise if we approach him again for a third time in the near future. Could you guess under what title after reading the interview?
- RAJANA: Since your last visit to Seattle, what have you been doing?
- NATH: Since May, I've opened a few musicals, performed in several cities and continuing work on my album.
- RAJANA: What brings you to Seattle this weekend?
- NATH: I had been invited to perform at the Arab Festival at the Seattle Center, so I took this opportunity to drop by KCG and hang out with some Khmer people.
- RAJANA: Congratulations on making "RootsMusicCanada.com #1 East Asia" artist. With the success there, does that give you any indication of the level of success your album could receive?
- NATH: The painful reality of this industry is that: Say you have written the greatest songs, recorded at highest quality, spent your life savings on promotion, and every corner people compliment your work ... this will still not guarantee and record sales. Even Michael Jackson has had commercially disappointing record sales.
- RAJANA: Yes, that is so true.
- NATH: For myself as an artist, I want to just stay true to my intentions and put out my best work. I won’t be able to decide the outcome for myself. The ultimate award I could receive for this record will not be from the number of sales anyway. Because those are just numbers. I can add up.
- RAJANA: Share with us the first video to the single off the album?
- NATH: I guess I've already told you about filming music videos. The first video I filmed was for the song "Yul Hauy". In this video I play 8 different people in different facets of the entertainment industry. My intention was to show people the behind the scenes of each character depicted.
- RAJANA: Singing telegrams. Share with us your weirdest gig.
- NATH: I've had so many disastrous gigs that it’s hard to pick out a single one to share. I had once performed a singing telegram at McDonald's for a 36-year-old birthday! That should be a good indication of the excitement level this crowd would put out. Anyhow, they all looked like deer caught in headlights. It was hard to stay focused and just perform.
- RAJANA: Haha, now that’s a picture worth a thousand words! Please continue.
- NATH: There were several times our company vehicle broke down on a busy city street and I was completely in costume. And so, public embarrassment is nothing new to me. And lastly, I recall another time when I got dropped off at the wrong venue. I just went in there, did the whole performance and not knowing until way afterwards that this crowd had not even expected a performance at all! They were good sports though, but they looked rather confused.
- RAJANA: What have people been saying about the two singles, "Yaul Hauy" and "Jong Deng Tveu A'vey" when you made the 14 city tour across Canada?
- NATH: I was warmly welcomed by all radio and television stations I appeared on in each city. No one had heard songs in Khmer before. As for the Khmer people whom I met along the way, they usually complimented the production level on the songs as well as the innovation. Many questioned where I got the music from or whose song did I write lyrics to; it always seemed to be a shock when they found out all my music and lyrics are original and not even samples taken from anywhere.
- RAJANA: What track in your whole album do you feel will be crowd's favorite?
- NATH: That will be a coin toss really. Everyone will be having their own favorites. As for myself I can’t pick favorites. Writing, composing, and arranging production on all my own songs, it’s like having kids; some are good, some are bad, even rebellious, but you love them all the same.
- RAJANA: Will you be collaborating with any artists?
- NATH: At this time, I’m currently producing a track for collaboration with praCh Ly of Long Beach, CA. I met him earlier this year and even performed on the same stage. I have a lot of respect and admiration for his work as an artist.
- I've also collaborated with many other artists for the album itself. Vi An Diep plays the Japanese koto on one song and Karen Sim plays celtic fiddle on another track. Lubna Warawra also appears on one of my songs. I have not limited my collaborations to only Khmer artists.
- RAJANA: So is the album completely in Khmer, yes?
- NATH: Yes, there are no lyrics in English.
- RAJANA: What were the inspirations behind the lyrics to some of your tracks?
- NATH: Pretty much everyday life. Things that I've experienced myself or someone close to me. There is no fiction on my record.
- RAJANA: What is it that I hear you're pitching one of your songs to the Global Fund. Tell us more.
- NATH: The full name is the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The head office is in Geneva, Switzerland. I met and made contacts with various people working for the organization back when I worked for AIDS Awareness.
- RAJANA: Oh, I see.
- NATH: I was listening to one of my songs on the computer as my friend Jerry phoned from Geneva to see what I was up to. He commented on the song he heard playing in the background, so I sent him a sample. Coincidentally, this song had an African influence and Jerry himself had just returned from Rwanda and Kenya. The song I wrote is in dedication to a cousin of mine that had died of AIDS in Cambodia. With all these elements in place, he suggested I pitch the song to the Global Fund as a theme for the 2004 Campaign in Cambodia.
- RAJANA: Multi-track recording process. How is it possible for your recording engineer and producer, Tim to play 10 different instruments at the same time?
- NATH: What you hear are at least 10 different instruments played by Tim O'Brien at the same time. But because everything was recorded on digital multi-tracks, we can record a single instrument at one time. My vocals would usually take up to 3 or 4 tracks; the drum tracks would take 5 or 6.
- RAJANA: So in April 2004, you were in Cambodia. What were you doing there?
- NATH: I did numerous performances here and there in different regions of the country. Mostly though, was to experience first hand what people's reaction was to this first album.
- RAJANA: How long were you there for?
- NATH: I was in Cambodia for 5 weeks. Mmm, not long enough.
- RAJANA: When was the last time you visit the country?
- NATH: My previous trip to Cambodia was back in 2001. Before then I was making trips out there once or twice a year.
- RAJANA: What one thing struck you most returning to the country?
- NATH: The amount of attention and respect paid to me. I felt like I was being treated like a prince; it left me feeling awkward at times. People would use both hands to pass something to me, all my clothes were washed and hung to dry by the time I got up each morning, and some would wait their meals until after I've eaten. I got to be a smart ass after the first few days and told my cousins I wouldn't eat unless they were going to eat with me.
- RAJANA: How did your music fare in the country?
- NATH: It's the coolest feeling in the world; standing from above and watching hundreds of people at a time, dance joyously to something that I've worked so hard on in production. It was clear though that my album fared better with the younger crowds. Some people didn’t quite understand where I was going with the last track on the album ... the "folk song". Those who got the joke did laugh. The feedback I got in the 5 weeks will definitely help shape my future musical projects.
- RAJANA: What other projects are you working on now?
- NATH: Right now, I got my daytimes to sleep-in. I've been rehearsing nightly for a concert in my hometown Victoria BC. This will be my first time performing with live musicians and back-up dancers. The entire set is choreographed so it’s more of a theatrical performance. In August, I have a book coming out titled "Bada." And when inspired to, I'd occasionally write songs and poetry.
- RAJANA: Excellent! What can you, if any, about the second album?
- NATH: Well, I'll share what I know so far. I have several tracks that I dropped from the first album that I would like to revisit or perhaps re-produce with a different direction. I've been writing lately and it seems that my new material is directly inspired from this recent trip back to Cambodia. This second round, I'll be working in even more world influences so you'll hear more tracks like "Crying Once Isn't Enough" and "Understood" but less songs like "Keep Quiet" and "Just a Smile."
- RAJANA: And how about praCh?
- NATH: I haven’t forgotten about the praCh collaboration. I promised him half a year ago I'd send a demo out and see if it could be something he could work with. Still hasn't happened, but I'll get on it at some point. In the meantime, praCh, if you're reading this, much apologies to you and I WILL send you something.
- RAJANA: How many units has "Sg'ath Sg'ath" sold as of date?
- NATH: That exact number is in a grey area between certified sales (22,000 copies) and the registered units distributed (25,000 copies). And to be honest, I'm amazed that I even sold more than one copy and didn't resort to giving away entire boxes (Ok, I did give away a whole bunch too).
- RAJANA: Did you get any dance/music lessons when you stayed in the country?
- NATH: Not at all! I need to plan a trip when I can be out there much longer.
- RAJANA: Off tangent from music and Cambodia, what you think of Kill Bill Vol. #2?
- NATH: I was an obsessed fan of Kill Bill Vol. 1. Literally the day I flew back in from Cambodia, that evening I went to see Vol. 2 in the theatre. I love the second as much as the first film, although I did expect a lot more action sequences. Mind you, the cat fight between Uma Thurman and Daryl Hannah alone was worth my second and third trip back to the theatre.
- RAJANA: Any final words or shout-outs?
- NATH: Too many people to list here. Just wanna thank EVERYONE for the great support to myself and my work. And I promise a lot more coming from me.
- In the Spotlight is a joint publication between Rajana Society and KhmerConnection. Co-authored with Sreymom Serey.
In the Spotlight: Pheakdey S. Bun, Graphic Artist
- Pheakdey S. Bun is more than just the Rajana Society Logo Contest winner. She is a proud Khmer Canadian who wants to use her skills in graphic arts to better humanity. What a noble ambition from someone who paints abstract art, enjoys fine literature on greats like Van Gogh and Monet and finds pleasure studying Angkorian history. She thinks TV programs these days are junk because of the saturation of reality shows. We, on the other hand, think she is nothing less than talent and a fitting recipient to be In the Spotlight.
- RAJANA: Please introduce yourself.
- PHEAKDEY: Ok, I am Khmer. I am a 20-years-old graphic design student at Ahuntsic College in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
- RAJANA: Oh, Montreal? You must speak French then, right?
- PHEAKDEY: Oui, bien sûr. Comment allez-vous?
- RAJANA: How many siblings do you have? When did your parents immigrate to Canada?
- PHEAKDEY: I live with my parents, two sisters and a brother. Our family came to Canada in 1986 when I was about two years old.
- RAJANA: So you tell us that you paint. What kind of subjects do you enjoy most?
- PHEAKDEY: Yes, especially abstract images. My favorite color is green so I enjoy painting images of landscape and nature.
- RAJANA: Oh, your favorite color is green. Why is that?
- PHEAKDEY: I am attracted to all colors, but the color green means peace to me. And peace gives me hope.
- RAJANA: Who are your favorite painters and why?
- PHEAKDEY: I don't really have a favorite one. There are too many and every painter or artist has inspired me. Like Vincent Van Gogh for his marvelous color in his painting, Claude Monet for his blurry vision which reminds me as something almost like abstract visual or Albert Marquet for his soft color in his watercolor. Note that its mainly French painters.
- RAJANA: What interests you in participating in the logo contest?
- PHEAKDEY: That I finally get the opportunity to design something for my own culture. I have designed many other works in the past as early as high school, but nothing on Cambodia.
- RAJANA: What is your inspiration in creating the logo? How did you come up with this idea?
- PHEAKDEY: I wanted to find a visual or an item that symbolizes both Khmer art and entertainment. I did some research and read a few books and found that the "apsara" would fit well in this concept. Apsaras are in folklore dance, music, sculpture, paintings, etc.
- RAJANA: I know you have seen those posters in the Khmer communities advertising a concert, party, etc. What do you think about them?
- PHEAKDEY: Umm, I guess they are okay. It needs a lot of improvements.
- RAJANA: Have you created any of these posters in the past?
- PHEAKDEY: Well, none that are specialized for the Khmer community, but I did design one for my community's street festival. They can view at www.cotedesneigesenfete.tk.
- RAJANA: Great! Oh, so you enjoy using your art skills for the community?
- PHEAKDEY: Yes. My goal is to use my art skills to improve humanity. For example, I would love to work with a local or international organization designing posters, pamphlets, brochures, etc to address world problems like air pollution, deforestation, substance abuse, domestic violence, just to name a few.
- RAJANA: Speaking of Khmer communities, what can you say about the community that you reside in Montreal?
- PHEAKDEY: I know there is a lot of Khmer here in Montreal and there is a Khmer community group named ''Communauté Angkorienne du Canada'' that organizes many events, offers language and dance classes, which I praise. I think the Khmer community has improved for the past years and it’s great to see that organizations mentioned and others make efforts to integrate the youth and share the culture to the new generation. Here is the organization’s website: http://communaute.angkorienne.org/.
- RAJANA: What gives you inspiration to paint?
- PHEAKDEY: Everything. The everyday life, the people around me, things that I see in the subway …. I guess in the eye of an artist, every simple thing can be a source for work (painting) if we know how to find meaning behind it.
- RAJANA: What are your current art projects?
- PHEAKDEY: Right now I am floating by a ton of projects for school. Kind of stressed out. I am designing a poster for a theatrical play for eight-year-old kids. It is a contest that every student in my program is participating too.
- I really enjoy doing illustrations for kids because it provides fewer restrictions.
- RAJANA: During Khmer New Year celebrations, what activity or one thing you look forward to the most?
- PHEAKDEY: The night party after being at the pagoda! Naw, I'm just kidding. There is not one thing that I look forward to the most but just to have fun celebrating with family and friends.
- RAJANA: Besides art, what else do you do for fun?
- PHEAKDEY: I enjoy reading a lot, shopping for book and participate in sport activities, workout.
- RAJANA: I see you're not much of a couch potato.
- PHEAKDEY: Well, if you are referring to watching TV, I don't do much of that. TV programs these days are junk because of the saturation of reality shows and I don't have time too!
- RAJANA: What is the last book that you have read?
- PHEAKDEY: It’s a French book talking about Angkorian history. The title is "Angkor, Chute, Gloire et Resurrection" by Michel Tauriac. It's really interesting to learn about the origin of our country and how our people living in that era aren’t that much different from the Khmers of today.
- RAJANA: Back to the Logo Contest. How did you feel about being the winner of the contest?
- PHEAKDEY: I was very excited and happy. This was the first time I won any logo contest. At the same time, I feel very blessed and lucky. I'm living here in Montreal and I participated in a logo contest that is actually happening over on the other coast in Seattle.
- RAJANA: Oh, I see. It was a tough decision for us as there were several other quality pieces submitted.
- PHEAKDEY: An anecdote about the logo. I think it was the last day before the deadline and I remembered that I was rushing it 'til 3 am before I sent it out. And the next day I had school. It was crazy but I really wanted to be well done. Nice and neat. That's my perfectionist side. It’s worth it now!
- RAJANA: What about the Society that attracted you to become a member?
- PHEAKDEY: I found it interesting and unique to have an organization devoted to promoting Khmer arts and entertainment. And since I like all forms of art, I think is very awesome to have that kind of organization; especially lead by young people like you, Phatry. Because of that, I became a member. I hope and wish there were other organizations like Rajana in other universities and countries. It’s really amazing what you guys have accomplished. And by the way, happy one year anniversary to Rajana too!
- RAJANA: Would you ever consider creating another Rajana Society branch in your area?
- PHEAKDEY: Of course I would but only if there is more Khmer college students like me that are passionate about Khmer arts.
- RAJANA: What does "Rajana" mean to you?
- PHEAKDEY: This kind of organization helps the youth and the larger society learn and appreciate more about our culture. The more they apply themselves to these organizations, the more they'll see what they are capable of doing.
- I feel Rajana is just like an "open window" -- a place to have the opportunity to meet and network with other Khmer artists--young and old, like those found on the Rajana Artist's Database (RAD).
- I think to be a great artist we always need to know what our predecessors did, so we can do our work with more consciousness and know where we are heading for.
- RAJANA: What are your long term goals with arts?
- PHEAKDEY: My long term goal with art? I don't know yet but I wish I can succeed in being the best graphic designer or illustrator to my ability. I want to help others communicate their message through arts. Maybe design work for humanitarian groups like UNICEF, Campaign Against Landmines or do advertising work about issues like pollution, war, aids, etc. These issues touch me and I think we need to reach more people so things will improve.
- RAJANA: With your schooling?
- PHEAKDEY: I'm about finishing my last semester right now in graphic design and after I complete my studies there, I hope to go in art design or fine art at Concordia University or University of Quebec at Montreal (UQAM)
- And the biggest goal of all--to have the opportunity to study Khmer art in Cambodia.
- RAJANA: Any final information you would like to add about yourself?
- PHEAKDEY: Yes. I hope that those reading this interview who shares the same passion in painting and graphic design contact me. I really would like to start networking with more Khmers in this field. Thank you everyone.
- In the Spotlight is a joint publication between Rajana Society and KhmerConnection.
In the Spotlight: Mike Siv, filmmaker
- Mike Siv of the "T.L." is blunt when he speaks. Mike Siv has skills in and out of the courts. Mike Siv is a perfect fit for the Spotlight's slogan, "Real People. Real Talent." In this uncensored interview, he shares about his love in filmmaking; a skill groomed by the respectable documentary director Spencer Nakasako of AKA Don Bonus and recently the Oscar-nominated film, Refugee. Besides spending hours chopping clips and snapping pics, Mike enjoys hearing another sound --the sound of chain swishes with the fellas. He ends with his ventings on the Khmer community, a piece he hopes opens a constructive dialogue between leaders in the Community. Come and explore the mind of a filmmaker, editor, baller, coach, and critic in his first ever appearance on interview.
- RAJANA: Please introduce yourself. You know, the basics.
- MIKE: I am 27 years old, Cambodian born. My mother and I arrived in Washington, D.C. in 1981. I have grown up in the Tenderloin (TL) District of San Francisco for most of my life.
- I am a filmmaker.
- RAJANA: What is your current title at the Vietnamese Youth Development Center (VYDC) where you work at?
- MIKE: Media Program Coordinator.
- RAJANA: When did you get involve with VYDC?
- MIKE: When I was 16 or 17 years old, so around 1993 or 1994.
- RAJANA: Who is Spencer Nakasako?
- MIKE: Spencer is an award winning filmmaker, mentor, and one of my inspirations.
- RAJANA: So Spencer is the link to your current involvement with film now?
- MIKE: Yes. After Spencer finished the Emmy winning Khmer documentary, AKA Don Bonus, I was asked to be his editor.
- RAJANA: I see. So you are an editor too?
- MIKE: Yes. Im one of the editors for REFUGEE, and also edited/co-directed Who I Became.
- RAJANA: Have you received any formal education in filmmaking and editing?
- MIKE: Oh no. All my training was from Spencer. My highest level in education is a bachelors degree from San Francisco State University in Liberal Arts studies.
- RAJANA: Gotcha! Oh, can you tell us more about Who I Became?
- MIKE: Its a short 20-minute documentary about a young Khmer American, Pounloeu Chea. The story retells Pounloeu's life -- from his homeless years living in the streets, his trouble with the law, his pregnant girlfriend, to his transformation in being a father.
- RAJANA: What more can you say about Pounloeu?
- MIKE: He's an amazing young man. He has matured up since the birth of his son, Poncey Chea. He has a good paying job in construction. His dream now is to earn enough money to buy a house for his family.
- RAJANA: Has "Who I Became" been screened anywhere yet?
- MIKE: Oh yes, several times. In fact, it made its national debut earlier this fall quarter on the PBS series, "Matters of Race." Spencer produced this along with Roja Productions.
- RAJANA: Earlier, you mentioned that Spencer is one of your inspirations. Besides him, are there any other artists that you look up to as a role model?
- MIKE: The late great Haing Ngor. He was the first Asian American, yet alone a Khmer American who won the Academy Awards in the movie, The Killing Fields. We, Khmers should feel very proud.
- RAJANA: Speaking of awards, is it true that the documentary that you co-edit and starred in, REFUGEE, is competing for the Oscars?
- MIKE: Your sources are correct. REFUGEE is one of the limited spots out of all of the documentary films that are produced each year competing for the Oscars. Please help support.
- RAJANA: As of date, how many awards has REFUGEE received? Which one has the most meaning to you?
- MIKE: REFUGEE won four awards as of now: 1) San Diego Asian Film Festival--Grand Jury Award, 2) Hampton International Film FestivalMost Inspiration Award and the 3) Conflict and Resolution which combined for 10,000 dollars award, and recently 4) Hawaii International Film Festival--the Golden Maile Award for Best Documentary.
- I can't really choose which award is better because they've all been great. But if I were to choose, I would definitely pick the first award, the Grand Jury Award. REFUGEE was the best film out of the 169 competing films. In addition, I made an acceptance speech in which I dedicated the award to all the Tenderloin Cambodians, especially the kids for what they (we) have to go through to get at least to this point. I felt proud standing up there and representing the Community.
- RAJANA: Tease us. In one sentence, give us a preview of the documentary.
- MIKE: Twenty two years after his escape from the war, Mike Siv is returning to Cambodia with his childhood friends, David & Sophal, to re-unite with his father and brother; but secrets are revealed causing Mike to question his journey.
- RAJANA: You were recently in Amsterdam for an international film festival. What were the local reactions of REFUGEE?
- MIKE: The reactions from the Amsterdam audiences were pretty weird. I think REFUGEE is not your typical DOC film. Spencer Nakasako is very good at making a Documentary feel like it's also a feature; therefore, the Amsterdam audiences were expecting the usual doc that changes a culture or a nation.
- Another reason was because they're not use to seeing a Cambodian film that doesn't really deal with the killing fields head on. They were expecting to see murder, killings, rape, bombs, etc, but REFUGEE stayed away from those things as much as we can. In addition, they also are not used to seeing young people, especially young Cambodian faces.
- Furthermore, they couldn't figure out who we were: We're we Asian? If we were, then why were we speaking English, but what kind of English was this. I guess they couldn't understand some of the English slang.
- Overall, I know the audiences had a weird reaction but I love that idea because now they know who we are.
- RAJANA: What's the update to Sophal and David of REFUGEE? What are they doing these days?
- MIKE: David is David as you guys might know. He's just hanging out and doing whatever he has to do. He doesn't work nor is looking for work, but the guy manages to get by so I guess he's doing good. David will soon find his path.
- Sophal is doing a lot better than when you guys saw him in the film. He's working at GAP and is going to church consistently. He's trying to get his GED but it hasn't accomplished yet. This is considered really good in the Tenderloin. So I guess thumbs up for Sophal.
- RAJANA: Can you tease us with some of new work you are doing now or future projects?
- MIKE: Right now I'm working on a script call "Tru Cambodian" with Spencer Nakasako, Aram Collier, and Justin Lin, Director of Better Luck Tommorrow. The film basically focuses on a community, which is confided or trapped. We're zero-ing in on the idea of Cambodian Americans who can't move forward in an environment such as the Tenderloin neighborhood in San Francisco.
- RAJANA: How about individual projects?
- MIKE: I am working on a script which I call "A Time For Chaos".
- RAJANA: Can you give us some details?
- MIKE: Its a about a 17-year-old Cambodian guy nicknamed Chaos, who at age 10 immigrates to the U.S.
- The story takes place around 1989 and portrays Chaos as a pain in the ass, ruthless juvenile who causes trouble everywhere he goes: at home, school, on the streets, etc. Nobody seems to understand why he is like this, but the film will reveal in flash back that he is still traumatized by the past of Cambodias killing fields.
- RAJANA: Besides these projects, what would you like to produce in the future?
- MIKE: I want to produce films that address the misconceptions and misunderstandings of Khmer American youth and their parents, and vice verse. I want to direct films that talks about the "Khmer identity." I am not about making films on such over saturated areas like the "killing fields" and "war."
- We Cambodians need to move forward ... and we are.
- RAJANA: I share your thoughts too.
- MIKE: Yes. And I have realized that there has been a lot of progress for the Khmer community since REFUGEE toured the States.
- I am remember growing up in the TL, I felt stuck, as though we were not going anywhere. The support from organizations like Rajana Society, KhmerConnection and KhmerMarket and the thousands of people who came out to watch the film has given me the opportunity to meet leaders like yourself and others in the Khmer community.
- RAJANA: But you also feel there are problems that our Community faces. In your view, what is the biggest problem and how would you tackle it?
- MIKE: We, Cambodian Americans, are really bad at supporting each other and I'm not talking about locally, I'm talking about throughout the United States. We all claim we're proud about our culture and we want to preserve it in America, but when it comes down to helping and supporting each other, it doesnt happen.
- We all talk a lot of game, but we don't back it up. I don't want to go into details, but I've been touring with the film REFUGEE and in certain cities I felt dissapointed and mistreated by more the Cambodians than other ethnicities. I do wish I have a solution, but I'm not a problem solver so I don't know what to do. I do understand that we need to talk about this issue and that we must work together rather than playing this bullshit game of who's better than who.
- RAJANA: Thats deep. We hear you loud and clear.
- MIKE: You can read more about my frustrations in the letter addressed to Khmer community leaders. Lets move forward.
- RAJANA: So I heard you b-ball. What is it that I hear you coach too?
- MIKE: Haha. Yeah, you heard correctly. I have been coaching an all-Khmer youth basketball team called the Tenacious Little Bombers for 8 years now. Once made for an all-Cambodian team, now is opened to anyone as long as they need the services, but the priority is still for Cambodians.
- RAJANA: Are you any good? How tall are you anyways?
- MIKE: I'm 5'7 but I play like I'm 6 feet tall. I'm one of those guys who are really quick. I don't settle for shots, I go for lay-ups. The bottom line, I can ball with anyone, even the black dudes which everyone seems to be afraid of. I played on my high school varsity team with mostly black players, except for me and a Chinese dude.
- RAJANA: Any predictions for this years champion?
- MIKE: I hate to say, but I think the Lakers are going to take it.
- RAJANA: If you could spend one day with any person, living or dead, who would that be and why?
- MIKE: I wish I can spend some time with any of my grandparents. I never saw or met any of them on any side of my parents. They all were either murdered or killed during the war. They are who I became because they raised by mother and father. By knowing them is like knowing myself.
- RAJAJA: What is your all-time favorite classic Khmer film?
- MIKE: To be honest with you, I haven't seen many Cambodian films which I can say are a Classic. I wish I could say I have one but I don't. I hope that there will be one in the future. The closest one I can think of is, "The Killing Fields", but I'm not saying that it is.
- Haing Ngor: why the hell did he win an award for best supporting actor when he should have WON BEST ACTOR? Ngor was the main actor--the story was about him. The white guy was nothing without the Cambodian man.
- RAJANA: Activist and musician Arn Chorn-Pond wants Cambodia to be known as the center of arts and culture. What do you want Cambodia to be known as?
- MIKE: I'm not going to say Cambodia is the greatest country nor do I want Cambodia to be known as something really special. All I really, really want Cambodia to be known for is that it's a country like every other country. Every country goes through struggles or problems and at times happiness.
- Do you even want me to go into American history? America didn't just become America--people died too. America, England, Vietnam, China, or France; they've all gone through war and they've made it. Even though we went through a war far different then they did, we too can get through this. The reason I say this, as of right now, all Cambodia is known for is the killing fields and that is it.
- But if all we are known for is the killing fields then the society will treat us like victims and pity our culture. In simple terms, I just want Cambodia to be treated equally like every other country. I do understand that it's hard in Cambodia right now, but time will play its role. Cambodia shouldn't feel bad about not having this or that, it just mean that we should work a little harder than others.
- Once we can escape this label then Cambodia can start moving forward to being Cambodia.
- RAJANA: Your final thoughts.
- MIKE: I believe Cambodians, Cambodian Americans, or anything that has to do with this culture will move forward. In addition, we will continue on our culture and will be apart of this society. Having the opportunity to tour around the U.S., I have met many Cambodian leaders, therefore, I'm so confident they too will do the best they can to preserve the Cambodian culture. Despite the war, the country and it's people will move forward; and I believe that we're actually moving forward even though we might not see it.
- Understand when I try to state this concept, there are a lot of people, referring to other ethnicities, who claims to help Cambodia and it's people. Within the last three years, I've encountered that a lot of them claim they're helping; but they're actually exploiting and trying to only benefit themselves. By this statement, I hope we take more pride doing things about Cambodia or ourselves personally and not fall into the trap of these individuals who are out to gain for themselves. I'm not saying you shouldn't do stuff with certain individual, but please analyze carefully before jumping to conclusion. I believe we Cambodians can do as good of a job or even better then anyone else especially something that deals with our culture.
- Those who have read this, thank you for taking the time to do so. In addition, I want to personally thank Phatry Pan, Khmerconnection and Rajana for having an invaluable vision to connect Cambodia, it's people, and more importantly, it's ART. Furthermore, those who don't know Phatry should take a few seconds to realize and not take it for granted in which he's a valuable asset to Khmerconnection, Rajana, and the Cambodian community throughout. Phatry will go far and those who know him well, please don't take his involvement for granted.
- In the Spotlight is a joint publication between Rajana Society and KhmerConnection.
In the Spotlight: Silong Chhun, emcee
- Only a few Khmer rappers these days get my attention. One has already received international recognition for his "Khmer Rouge Rap" and the other, Silong Chhun is a destined sure shot for stardom. The man not only can bust rhymes, but also produces head-bobbin beats, acts, and directs short videos. Read more about this rising phenom in our exclusive interview.
- RAJANA: Please introduce yourself. You know the basics.
- SILONG: Well, I was born in Cambodia. Raised in Tacoma, WA. Same ol' story. Grew up in the ghetto. Gang bang (damn lie), drink 40's and smoke blunts. What else do thugs do?
- RAJANA: You're an emcee. What is the origin of your name "Red Cambino" and its meaning?
- SILONG: It's the Spanish translation of the word "Khmer Rouge". Haha. I got the name while in high school. We were shooting a home movie for a school project. I just happened to be the Khmer Rouge character. "Red Cambino." It just kinda stuck.
- RAJANA: Ohh, I see.
- SILONG: Plus, I think there is a bit of significance in the name. I want to carry the name so people won't forget about them. The younger generation does not have an idea of what happened back in the 70's (maybe they do but not much you know?). Like when you mention Red Cambino, first thing that come to mind is oh sh*t Khmer Rouge?! Question it, learn it.
- RAJANA: What kind of music training/experiences do you have?
- SILONG: I've been pretending to know how to play the keyboard and guitar for several years. Played for a ska/punk/country band in high school. Our coolest gig was at a safe streets rally. Anyway I have been producing music for a long time, since I was 17 I believe. Went to the Art Institute of Seattle for audio production. Learned a little but gained a lot. I like to think I'm pretty technical which usually the case isn't. I just do what I think sounds cool. I was also in a rap group called the United Nations.
- RAJANA: Who makes up The 2nd Language? And please share us the distinction between all your other affiliate groups such as United Nations, Bloodlines, and Lin Kwai? Are they interconnected?
- SILONG: The 2nd Language is the name for our group that consist of Uncle Ted, Syam, and myself. Basically, we're the United Nations minus the Bloodline sector which is J Rippa and Asyan.
- RAJANA: And Lin Kwai?
- SILONG: Let me explain Lin Kwai Productions. It's the name of our production group. We were filming a movie and we needed a name for the bad guy gang in the film so we bit off of Mortal Kombat, the video game. That is how we came up with that name.
- RAJANA: What is the meaning behind The 2nd Language?
- SILONG: The name actually came up in a dream I had. In that dream, Sam, Ted and I were doing a concert and we were introduced as that. When I woke up I was like hey that sounds pretty cool. Plus we feel that music is everyone's second language. Although not everyone speaks it, but everyone understands music. Music is a universal language ... The 2nd Language.
- RAJANA: Tell us your earliest memories of music.
- SILONG: Sin Sisamouth. Waking up to him in the morning, my dad would blast his music. I never liked it at the time. It wasn't the "cool" thing to listen to, plus I wanted to be "American." Even though I did not like it, I still gathered together a laundry basket (kick drum), the tops of pots and pans (cymbals and high hat), a notebook (snare) and played along. Now I am rapping along with Sin Sisamouth! Pretty cool, eh?
- RAJANA: What are some of your current projects?
- SILONG: Sin Sisamouth Remix CD (HOT SH*T), one. Doing a few racks with the best rapper in the world, Prach, two and working on the cd with my group, three.
- RAJANA: So I heard you are now an artist under Mujestic Records.
- SILONG: Rumor is true, http://www.mujestic.com.
- RAJANA: And how did the partnership with Prach develop?
- SILONG: Well, I just thought he was cute. Hahha, just kidding. Well to make a story short, read his interview on KC. I just thought to myself, oh well look another whack Khmer rapper. I listened to the tracks, and I just fell in love with the boy's talent and passion.
- RAJANA: Ohh, what happened next?
- SILONG: Heard he was in Seattle (someone name Phatry told me). Called him up. Talked for a bit. I don't know what happened, something just clicked. Maybe because I got him drunk and took advantage of him.
- RAJANA: Are you two collaborating in the near future?
- SILONG: Anything is possible.
- RAJANA: You make beats. In the music industry today, who inspires your style of sound?
- SILONG: I'm inspired by everything around me. Every sound I hear is music. I sampled things like pens tapping on a desk and used them in a beat. Anything and everything, man. My favorite rapper right now is Kanye West.
- RAJANA: Fill in the blank. The number #1 thing I like to do the most when surfing KhmerConnection is .
- SILONG: pretending to be smarter than I really am and replying and posting with the Dictionary handy.
- RAJANA: Do you like Khmer music? If so, who do you bump in your ride?
- SILONG: Can't live without Khmer music. I like all the old original stuff. The new karaoke is too cool for me. I am ol' skool. It's just that the originals like Ros Serey Sothear and Sin Sisamouth brings out an emotion that I never knew.
- RAJANA: Ohh, please continue.
- SILONG: When I listen to their music, I can feel them. You can hear their hearts and soul on every song. To me, our country is living through their music. Listening to their music is like watching the history channel. I mean if you really listen, listen to the composition, the words, the MEANING of the songs. The music lets me know how life was before 1975. Honestly, I wish I was in Cambodia before 1975.
- RAJANA: Let's jump to Khmer cinema. So I heard your father is involved with this high budget movie produced in Cambodia. Can you share with some details?
- SILONG: All I can tell you is that the film is directed by Ly Bun Yim (An Eurh Srey An). Its big budgeted (in Khmer terms) shot on 35 mm motion picture. No karaoke stuff man, I promise you.
- RAJANA: Sweet. Can you tell us more?
- SILONG: I will share more once I land in Cambodia in three weeks. I have been asked to help with post production in the area of sound editing.
- RAJANA: Excellent. So this will be your first time in Cambodia?
- SILONG: Well, it will be the first time back since I left the country in 1980.
- RAJANA: Now let's play a game. I am going to say three random words one at a time. Tell me the first word or thought that comes to your mind when you hear the word.
- President George W. Bush - Funny Guy
- Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious - Das Efx
- Rajana - Solar Eclipse of Soriya
- RAJANA: As an Asian American, how do you feel about pursuing in a African American dominated industry?
- SILONG: I do not focus too much on that I just want to make good music. Even though it is Black dominated, that does not stop me from doing what I enjoy doing, ya know. Music speaks for itself. That is where the name The 2nd Language comes into play. I see music as everyone's second language
- RAJANA: Besides eat, drink, and sleep music, what else do you do for fun? Hobbies or hold any collections?
- SILONG: Videos. I am starting to shoot and edit my own videos. I have lots of hats. Besides that, all I collect is dust.
- RAJANA: Does the Khmer community support your music? Your parents?
- SILONG: I don't think I have put anything out to be "supported" yet. But I think they will. Why not its good music, man.
- My parents? I love them. They support what I do, although I know they don't understand it. They are like, rap? Black people? Go on have fun!
- RAJANA: Have you heard of other young Khmer artists in North America like Nath Keo and Seasia? What do you think about their music?
- SILONG: I have heard Nath Keo's music. Dope, innovative and its going where no Khmer man has gone before. Seasia? Haven't heard anything.
- RAJANA: Flash to the future. What do you see yourself doing ten years from now?
- SILONG: Still trying to finish this interview. Making jingles for your kids to listen to during a McDonald's commercial.
- RAJANA: Please leave us your shout-outs.
- SILONG: Shout out to all of those patiently waiting for the projects to be completed. I assure you it is worth the wait. And Thyda, thank you for everything. Oh yeah Uncle Ted and Syam. Shout out to my man Prach, the Universal Speakers, North Star ... and all the homies from the true five tre. Holla. Shout outs to Brang (I would not be where I am at without you) and Jason Gamboa. We're ready to do the damn thing.
- In the Spotlight is a joint publication between Rajana Society and KhmerConnection.
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