Film
Fathers (film)
Fathers is a 2020 Cambodian drama by Huy Yaleng about a struggling father who works as a cyclo driver.[1] Cambodia submitted it to the 93rd Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category.[1]
Synopsis
The Khmer title is ដើម្បីកូន, romanized as Dumbei Kon.[2][3] Kun, played by Huy Yaleng, is a cyclo driver who has lost a leg. He raises his two children alone after their mother leaves.[2] The film shows his quiet devotion and sacrifice for the children.[3] It also touches on poverty and social division, and on the cyclo itself, a fading but iconic way to travel in Cambodia.[3][1]
Production and credits
Huy Yaleng had mostly made horror films before Fathers, his first drama.[1] He based the story on a cyclo driver near Ounalom Pagoda and researched the lives of cyclo drivers in Phnom Penh.[3][1] To play the role, he spent about two weeks tanning his skin and learned to drive a cyclo.[3] Chatwa Plus and Huy Yaleng wrote the script.[2] Huy Yaleng produced the film for Kakthachey Film Production.[1] The cast includes Sonyta Mean as Sotheary, with Kong Sophy, Tep Sreypov, Sok Polin, Chy Chhinglin and Mery Sophayuk.[2] The film is in Khmer and runs 110 minutes.[2]
Release and reception
Fathers opened in Cambodia on January 30, 2020.[2] It was close to becoming a major hit when the COVID-19 pandemic struck.[3] In late 2020, the Cambodia Oscar Selection Committee chose it over Young Love after a tied vote and a third round of discussion.[1] Committee member Sum Sithen said the film showed the hard lives of poor Cambodians, though he found weaknesses in some performances and the music.[1] Huy Yaleng called the selection a major milestone in his career.[1] Fathers was not among the 15 films the Academy shortlisted for Best International Feature Film in February 2021.[4]
References 4
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 Khmer Post Asia, Cambodian Film "Fathers" Submitted for Oscar (December 29, 2020)
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 The Movie Database (TMDB), Fathers (2020)
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Japan Foundation, Phnom Penh Liaison Office, Huy Yaleng (November 27, 2020)
- ↑ Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, 93rd Oscars Shortlists in Nine Award Categories Announced (February 9, 2021)
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