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.