ABOUT THE FILM

ArtsEmerson and Boston Asian American Film Festival present Surviving Bokator, a powerful story about reclaiming cultural identity and building bridges between generations. Filmed over five years, it tells the struggle of an older genocide survivor resurrecting the ancient Cambodian martial art of Bokator — virtually lost during the brutal Khmer Rouge regime — and preserve it for the nation’s youth. From the ancient carvings on the temples of Angkor to the international stage. What started as a genocide survivor’s dream to revive one of the world’s oldest sports becomes an inspiring mission to heal a nation. A story of triumph, heartbreak and coming of age in a Cambodia on the rise.

This screening will be followed by a Q&A with the film’s director, producer and co-protagonist Tharoth Sam. Tharoth will also demonstrate a live Bokator performance.