First They Killed My Father

Almost all Cambodian artists, actors and film professionals were killed during the Khmer Rouge regime and only a few of the directors were able to flee the country. The history of the birth and destruction of Cambodian cinema is covered in the documentary Golden Slumbers (2011) from the first Cambodian film made in 1960 to the arrival of the Khmer Rouge in 1975. In these 15 years, about 400 films were produced, but only 30 films survived. With a few of the survivors telling their stories, the documentary tries to bring back to life the myths and legends of this lost cinema. Most of the old movie theaters of Phnom Penh have now become restaurants, karaoke places or squats.

From 1975 to 1979, people had only skin cover their bone due to heavily overwork and starvation. Most of the scenes from movie show people still healthy with no lack of food or nutrient.