There’s a saying that “Music is the soul of a nation”. What happens when a nation’s music is silenced?
Don’t Think I’ve Forgotten: Cambodia’s Lost Rock and Roll is a fascinating documentary about Cambodia’s modern music history. The film captures an incredible, growing music scene that thrived during the 1950, 60s and early 70s. In 1975 the country fell under siege of the Khmer Rouge their revolution tried to eradicate all Western influence and most of Cambodia’s beloved pop singers became targets and did not survive.
Filmmaker John Pirozzi spent 9 years to piece this historical story together and Reel Asian is proud to have shared this film with Toronto audiences at our festival in November 2014.
Director John Pirozzi (centre) at the Toronto premiere of DON’T THINK I’VE FORGOTTEN – Reel Asian 2014
We are happy to share the news that Don’t Think I’ve Forgotten has been selected to open at the Film Forum in New York City on April 22, 2015. The team has been given the opportunity to hold a concert with the surviving musicians from the film – just like at the film’s premiere at historic Chaktomuk theater in Phnom Penh!
Due to lack of resources, a Kickstarter campaign has launched to raise funds to bring these musicians to the New York City concert. It’s an amazing chance for them to tell the story by doing what they do best – rockin’ out on stage. There’s only two weeks to go! You can find out more details and submit your contributions here.