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".