‘Surviving Bokator’ completes successful tour of Switzerland
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05/14/2024
July 31, 2023 RAPPERSWIL, SWITZERLAND – This month we finally had a chance to bring
A genocide survivor leads a team of youth on a mission to revive Cambodia’s ancient martial art of Bokator and win international competition. Bokator, which originated on the battlefields of ancient Angkor, was nearly eradicated by the Khmer Rouge regime 50 years ago and was feared extinct.
Captured over a decade in verité-style filmmaking, this powerful award winning documentary is a unique look into a post-war people’s efforts to reclaim traditional identity, build bridges between generations, and find their place in a modern world.
— Enzo Capiello, General Secretary
IOC / FICTS World Championship of Sport Cinema
— KungFu Kingdom Magazine
— Al Bailey, Artistic Director
Liverpool International Film Festival
— H.E. Phoeurng Sakona
Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, Cambodia
Carved into the ancient temples of Angkor, Bokator was a uniquely Cambodian martial art which mimicked animal fighting styles. Literally translated as ‘to pound a lion’ Kun L’Bokator is thought to have begun more than 1700 years ago on the battlefields of the ancient Angkorian Empire, helping the Khmer nation reign over most of Southeast Asia for five centuries. Surviving Bokator is the story of the quest to revive this national heritage for Cambodia and the world.
As the only eyewitness film to capture Bokator’s revival, Surviving Bokator is a national and world historical record.
Sport, like dance, music, language, beliefs or other customs that define a particular peoples or nation is culture. As part of its mission to safeguard and advance human cultural heritage, the United Nations cultural wing UNESCO, officially placed Cambodian Kun l’Bokator on the world Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity Representative List in 2022.
Surviving Bokator was an instrumental resource for UNESCO in their decision to grant Kun L’Bokator Intangible Cultural Heritage status.
The filmmakers celebrate the achievements of Surviving Bokator, and are proud to be featured in headlines worldwide.
July 31, 2023 RAPPERSWIL, SWITZERLAND – This month we finally had a chance to bring
The documentary “Surviving Bokator” was among the few sports-related films that won awards in this
Breathable sportswear inspired by the pride & colours of Cambodia. Available in youth & adult sizes, and two beautiful colour options.
Own your own Collector’s Edition DVD, packaged in a stunning 4-panel eco-wallet, or grab a traditional Kahmer scarf emblazoned with the Cambodian flag.
Your purchases help the filmmakers fund future screenings & events. Thank you for your support!
