"I've seen so many sad and depressing films this week - what a joy to see such an uplifting film. Thank you!"
"Wow - if the humanitarian program portrayed in this film was used around the world - it would be dynamite!!"
Coinciding with the last day of the Montreal World Film Festival, TO SPEAK's final screening bid festival goers adieu with a "happy ending" to remember.
Once again, tears flowed as the ending credits rolled for the final time in Montreal. And again, this was quickly followed by enthusiastic questions about the film, Cambodia, Ratana and when the film would be showing again - so friends and family could watch as well.
We hope that as a result of the screenings at the festival that we might soon be able to announce further screenings of TO SPEAK. In the meantime we would sincerely like to extend major thanks to the Montreal World Film Festival for the opportunity to show TO SPEAK and for all their support while at the festival. And of course, special thanks to all who came along to support TO SPEAK at the festival.
Monday, September 3, 2007
Sunday, September 2, 2007
TO SPEAK - A film with so much heart
TO SPEAK had its biggest screening yet at the Montreal World Film Festival on Sunday night, with a large turn out from the Cambodian communities of both Montreal and Ottawa. Revelling in the chance to see a full feature film in their own language, telling their own stories, Cambodians ranging from 5 - 90 years-old laughed and cried as the story of Ratana and her village unfolded.
Non-Cambodians too, continued to be touched and inspired by the story of struggle, despair and hope. Said one Montreal native, "It is a film with so much heart".
Many school teachers in the audience, from Canada, the US and beyond, commented on how relevant the film was to children everywhere. "I work in a school in a disadvantaged area in the States - this film would really speak to many of the kids I teach. It would be inspirational for them to see how much can be achieved, even in the most difficult of circumstances. What an empowering message it would be for them".
Others felt that TO SPEAK was much more universal in its appeal. "This isn't just a movie about or for kids - the message is for everyone. When you consider all that Ratana and the village were able to achieve you realise that there isn't much we can't do if we want it enough and if we act together".
Non-Cambodians too, continued to be touched and inspired by the story of struggle, despair and hope. Said one Montreal native, "It is a film with so much heart".
Many school teachers in the audience, from Canada, the US and beyond, commented on how relevant the film was to children everywhere. "I work in a school in a disadvantaged area in the States - this film would really speak to many of the kids I teach. It would be inspirational for them to see how much can be achieved, even in the most difficult of circumstances. What an empowering message it would be for them".
Others felt that TO SPEAK was much more universal in its appeal. "This isn't just a movie about or for kids - the message is for everyone. When you consider all that Ratana and the village were able to achieve you realise that there isn't much we can't do if we want it enough and if we act together".
Audience questions about TO SPEAK
Audiences viewing TO SPEAK at the Montreal World Film Festival have had many questions about the film and the life of the Cambodians it portrays. Key Q&A that has followed the screenings follow below:
WAS THE FILM REALLY BASED ON A TRUE STORY?
Yes - the central story of Ratana and her brothers and sister was based on a family who's parents died and were adopted by the village. In fact, the story was based on the individual stories of many families in Cambodia, and consolidated into the story of TO SPEAK.
WERE THE ACTORS TRAINED?
No - all the people appearing in the film were either from the village where the film was shot or from the organisation upon which the story was based.
HOW WAS THE FILM SHOT?
The film was shot in July 2005 over 17 days. There was a crew of 4, a single Panasonic camera, a single boom microphone. The film was shot using only available natural light. Post production at Infinite Frameworks and Home Studio Singapore helped transform the raw material into the wonderful sound and images projected on the big screen.
WHERE DID THE WONDERFUL MUSIC COME FROM?
The music soundtrack was written specifically for the film by the highly talented Reuben Kee. At only 20 years of age, Reuben put together more than 50 minutes of music combining the rhythms and textures of many asia instruments to give TO SPEAK, its unique and moving soundtrack.
WHY DO THE VILLAGERS NEVER CHANGE THEIR CLOTHES?
Cambodia is one of the poorest countries on earth. Many families living in the poorest villagers only have one set of clothing.
DO VILLAGERS REALLY BREAK ROCKS AND CUT GRASS FOR A LIVING?
Yes - there are many unusual ways that villagers will find to earn a megre income. It is cheaper to pay people to spend weeks breaking rock into gravel than it is to by a machine to do the same work.
DOES THE SAVING PROGRAM DEPICTED REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO THE VILLAGER'S LIVES?
It makes a truly revolutionary change. Certainly in the first few years of saving, the amounts are small and the items the villagers can buy are small. But once they hit a certain level of income which allows them to purchase further income earning assets, their standard of living improves dramatically.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CAMBODIA AND THE ORGANISATION DEPICTED IN THE FILM?
More information on the film and the Tabitha organisation can be found on our website - www.tospeakmovie.com
WAS THE FILM REALLY BASED ON A TRUE STORY?
Yes - the central story of Ratana and her brothers and sister was based on a family who's parents died and were adopted by the village. In fact, the story was based on the individual stories of many families in Cambodia, and consolidated into the story of TO SPEAK.
WERE THE ACTORS TRAINED?
No - all the people appearing in the film were either from the village where the film was shot or from the organisation upon which the story was based.
HOW WAS THE FILM SHOT?
The film was shot in July 2005 over 17 days. There was a crew of 4, a single Panasonic camera, a single boom microphone. The film was shot using only available natural light. Post production at Infinite Frameworks and Home Studio Singapore helped transform the raw material into the wonderful sound and images projected on the big screen.
WHERE DID THE WONDERFUL MUSIC COME FROM?
The music soundtrack was written specifically for the film by the highly talented Reuben Kee. At only 20 years of age, Reuben put together more than 50 minutes of music combining the rhythms and textures of many asia instruments to give TO SPEAK, its unique and moving soundtrack.
WHY DO THE VILLAGERS NEVER CHANGE THEIR CLOTHES?
Cambodia is one of the poorest countries on earth. Many families living in the poorest villagers only have one set of clothing.
DO VILLAGERS REALLY BREAK ROCKS AND CUT GRASS FOR A LIVING?
Yes - there are many unusual ways that villagers will find to earn a megre income. It is cheaper to pay people to spend weeks breaking rock into gravel than it is to by a machine to do the same work.
DOES THE SAVING PROGRAM DEPICTED REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO THE VILLAGER'S LIVES?
It makes a truly revolutionary change. Certainly in the first few years of saving, the amounts are small and the items the villagers can buy are small. But once they hit a certain level of income which allows them to purchase further income earning assets, their standard of living improves dramatically.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CAMBODIA AND THE ORGANISATION DEPICTED IN THE FILM?
More information on the film and the Tabitha organisation can be found on our website - www.tospeakmovie.com
Special guests attend 2nd screening of TO SPEAK
The second screening of TO SPEAK at the Montreal World Film Festival was graced with the presence of the first Cambodians (other than cast and crew) to view the film. Bob and Chanti McNaughton, who have recently moved from Phnom Penh to Ottawa, made the 2 hour journey up to Montreal together with their mother June and sister Kate.
As the first images of the Cambodian landscape appeared on screen, Bob and Chanti felt a wave of homesickness as the sights and sounds took them back to their homeland. Then, as the story progressed, they were reminded of the tough early life they experienced as orphans in Phnom Penh. Said Chanti and Bob, "The film tells it like it is - that's exactly the way millions of Cambodians struggle to survive every day".
Bob and Chanti's mum, June Cunningham, lived in Cambodia for over a decade. "The openning scenes of the movie in the village - the voices, the sounds - it was so vivid, I could smell it! For years, I have tried to explain to family and friends the situation in Cambodia - the poverty, the struggles - but could never quite convey the full experience or difficulty that Cambodians faced. This film portrays it precisely and powerfully, while also telling a beautiful but unsentimental story. So many representations of Cambodia are hyper-emotional, handwringing affairs - but this film simply tells its moving story in a direct, reserved way - which is so in keeping with how Cambodians themselves go about their daily lives."
Kate McNaughton, who spent many years growing up in Cambodia before returning to Canada for university and work, was particularly moved by the music in the film. "The music definately had a Cambodian flavor, but also something extra - it was very beautiful and conveyed the characters emotions without going 'over the top'".
The last word goes to Bob and Chanti - "There are almost no films or TV we can watch in our own language - Khmer. So it was fantastic to see a whole movie just about Cambodians, the way we really live, work and speak. Definately 2 thumbs up!!"
"Arkun charran" to Bob, Chanti, June and Kate for making the late night drive to see TO SPEAK on the big screen.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
TO SPEAK hits the big screen in Montreal
"Powerful - moving and compelling"
"Inspirational"
"Will touch many people"
"Makes you realise how lucky we are"
"Changed my whole perspective on what it means to be poor"
"Why aren't these programs available to the poor everywhere?"
"A beautiful soundtrack"
"Can't believe it was shot on video - it looked so beautiful"
At 1:30pm on 31 August 2007, almost exactly 2 years after the completion of principal photography, TO SPEAK lit up the big screen at the Quartier Latin Cinema Complex as part of the Montreal World Film Festival.
An enthusiastic crowd greeted the film with applause and tears as the final credits rolled.
Special praise was reserved for Ratana Peuw, the lead actress who, having never even seen television, made her acting debut in TO SPEAK. "You just felt for her so much through all her struggles, and then to see her beautiful smile at the end of the film was so wonderful".
The audience was also particularly touched by the music, which powerfully conveyed the unspoken emotions of the characters and the harshness and beauty of the landscape.
"The film powerfully portrayed the monotony and drudgery of being poor, and also the dreams of the young, hoping for a better future. It was inspirational to see them struggle so hard and finally achieve their dreams. This approach could really help the poor everywhere."
TO SPEAK has 3 more screenings in the festival today at 10pm, tomorrow at 7:40pm and on Monday 3rd at 10:20am.
Monday, August 27, 2007
World Premier of "TO SPEAK" at Montreal World Film Festival 2007
"To Speak" has been selected for screening as part of the "Focus on World Cinema" section of this year's Montreal World Film Festival.
"To Speak" will be screening at the Quartier Latin Cinema Complex at the following times:
August 31 - 1:30pm
September 01 - 10:00pm
September 02 - 7:40pm
September 03 - 10:20am
More details are available at the Fest site - www.ffm-montreal.org
Stay tuned for further posts from the festival....
More info about "To Speak" can be found at - www.tospeakmovie.com
About "To Speak"
Based on a true story...
Ratana is a 12-year-old Cambodian girl, living a tenuous existence in an impoverished rural village. Despite the suffocating pessimism of her fellow villagers, she dreams of a better life, and of building a new and permanent home for her family.
However, a better future seems impossible, until a local development agency suggests a radical plan for achieving her dreams. The other villagers think that Ratana is mad to trust the “outsiders”, but she seizes the opportunity and sets herself on a collision course with her family, the village and even Mother Nature herself.
To succeed, Ratana will need to rise above the grind of daily survival and also grapple with the terrible legacy of the Khmer Rouge and the Killing Fields.
In the pursuit of her dreams, Ratana will be pushed to the very limits of her strength and spirit - to the point where too much hope can crush you.
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