Film Lens
In okay bye-bye, Rebecca Baron examines the connection between history and memory through the lens of Cambodian history. The film is named after the phrase shouted by Cambodian children to the U.S. ambassador as he evacuated Phnom Penh in 1975, marking the onset of the Khmer Rouge regime. Baron uses a mix of personal letters, super-8 footage of an unidentified Cambodian man, and iconic photographs from the Vietnam War to question the effectiveness of traditional methodologies in addressing the genocide during the Pol Pot regime.
The film combines elements of memoir, journalism, and official histories to challenge viewers' understanding of monumental events. By juxtaposing various forms of media, Baron raises questions about the coexistence of image and memory, particularly in the context of the Cambodian genocide, and whether such a significant historical event can be adequately examined through conventional storytelling methods.
Why Watch
- •See the impact of the Khmer Rouge on Cambodian memory.
- •Find out how personal letters reveal historical truths.
- •Meet a unique blend of memoir and journalism in film.
Did You Know
•Cambodian children shouted 'okay bye-bye' in 1975 during the U.S. evacuation.
•The film has a runtime of 39 minutes.
•Rebecca Baron is a woman director focusing on Cambodian history.
•The film includes found super-8 footage of an unidentified Cambodian man.
Perfect For
Cambodian history enthusiastsVietnam War studiesWomen filmmakers