New Documentary Explores the Societal Costs of Development
The documentary “Even A Bird Needs a Nest,” which premiered Thursday night at Meta House in Phnom Penh, starts off strong: an interview of Prime Minister Hun Sen speaking about the country’s progress and development. “The period of Hun Sen is a period of searching for peace and unification in the national union in order to build economic and social rebuilding,” Mr. Hun Sen says of himself and his achievements. Juxtaposed with Mr. Hun Sen’s words, the filmmakers include footage of excavators destroying houses and people throwing rocks at police, protesters and land rights activist being beaten with police batons. They are images that a peaceful democracy would not be proud of, and certainly not what Mr. Hun Sen was referring to when he described his contemporary vision of the country. … Also featured in the film is opposition leader Sam Rainsy, who was interviewed when he was in self-imposed exile in Paris, and then-Sam Rainsy Party lawmaker Mu Sochua as well as former Phnom Penh governor Kep Chuktema, who says that development can not be stopped, and conflict is par for the course. “One can not avoid conflict with the people,” Mr. Chuktema says in the documentary. “In my opinion, developments always cause difficulties, particularly in regard with land titles and people’s homes,” the former governor, who signed off on the Boeng Kak evictions, says. “We try to solve them peacefully…development must benefit the people,” he adds, without a hint of irony. As one watches, it is apparent that “Even a Bird Needs a Nest” will not likely have a happy ending. …
Denise Hruby
http://www.cambodiadaily.com/news/new-documentary-explores-the-societal-costs-of-development-45979/
