Documentary on Former Child Soldier's Experience Launches Nationwide Trauma and Reconciliation Campaign in Cambodia

An internationally acclaimed documentary chronicling the life of a former Khmer Rouge child soldier is set to become the centrepiece of a nationwide campaign aimed at fostering dialogue on trauma, resilience and reconciliation among Cambodians, particularly younger generations who did not directly experience the country’s decades of conflict. The Bophana Audiovisual Resource Center, in partnership with the Cambodian Film Commission and LW Scientific, officially launched the Broken Courage National Campaign on June 29 at Legend Cinema, Exchange Square, in Phnom Penh. Rather than serving as a standalone film screening, the initiative will take the award-winning documentary Broken Courage to schools, universities and communities across Cambodia, pairing screenings with facilitated discussions on peacebuilding, mental health, trauma recovery, leadership and healing. Directed by Canadian filmmaker David Peck and produced in collaboration with Cambodian partners, the film follows the extraordinary life of a former Khmer Rouge child soldier who later became a prisoner of war and a landmine survivor, offering what organisers describe as a deeply personal account of trauma, perseverance and reconciliation. The campaign builds on the documentary’s growing international recognition. The film has previously been screened in Cambodia, Canada, Europe, the US and at the UN in Geneva, where it drew attention for its exploration of the long-term human consequences of armed conflict. For the Bophana Center, the campaign represents an effort to use documentary filmmaking not only to preserve historical memory but also to encourage conversations about how societies recover from violence. “At Bophana, we believe that preserving memory and encouraging dialogue are essential to building a more peaceful and compassionate future,” explained Sopheap Chea, executive director of the centre. “Broken Courage contributes meaningfully to that mission by creating space for honest conversations about Cambodia’s past while inspiring hope for future generations,” he added. Chea siad the documentary goes beyond recounting the suffering caused by war. “Stories have the power to help us better understand ourselves and one another,” he continued. “Broken Courage is not only a film about the consequences of conflict; it is also a film about resilience, dignity and the possibility of transformation. We are honoured to support a campaign that encourages dialogue, learning and understanding across generations,” he added. Organisers said each screening will be accompanied by moderated discussions designed to help audiences reflect on the psychological legacy of conflict and the importance of reconciliation in contemporary Cambodian society. The programme also aims to broaden conversations around mental health—an issue that has increasingly gained attention in Cambodia — by encouraging participants to explore how trauma can affect individuals, families and communities long after violence has ended. The launch event brought together representatives from civil society organisations, educational institutions, government agencies and development partners, highlighting the campaign’s emphasis on cross-sector collaboration in promoting peace education and social healing. Founded by internationally acclaimed Cambodian filmmaker Rithy Panh, the Bophana Center is Cambodia’s leading audiovisual archive and cultural institution. It is dedicated to preserving the country’s audiovisual heritage while promoting cultural education, creative expression and public dialogue through film and other multimedia initiatives. Organisers said the nationwide campaign reflects a belief that documentary storytelling can play a vital role in helping younger generations better understand Cambodia’s history while encouraging empathy, resilience and a shared commitment to lasting peace.