A film called First They Killed My Father, directed by Angelina Jolie, was filmed in Cambodia for three months. I was one of the main character’s family name Keav, the biggest sister. In order to receive this role, I had to pass the cast acting test and compete with other Cambodians. This stupendous opportunity wasn’t about being in the film, but I was representing all Cambodian’s life during the genocide, especially the Loung’s family. This movie premiere in Cambodia was on February 20th to 23th in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Battambang. Then, there was another premiere is in New York on 16 of September. During the event, I met other actors such as John Voight, Angelina Jolie’s dad and actor, and Charles Smith, the NBA basketball player. From this experience of being an actor in this memorial movie is the biggest achievement to shows the world of Cambodia history, as well as, passing the message that genocide causes thousands of death and separation that most of the Cambodians will never forget. However, most importantly, the family in the movie are contemporary becomes my new family with our love from working together and take care of each other. Furthermore, I learned about Khmer Rouge before I involved in the movie, although I receive tons of information, being a part of the film was like being there during the Khmer Rouge genocide.
