Becoming Cambodian Representative At Oscar 2022, Director Kavich Neang Enthusiastic For White Building Film To Be Screened In Indonesia

JAKARTA - The film White Building, which will represent Cambodia at the 2022 Oscars, will be screened at KlikFilm starting July 1. The film, directed by Kavich Neang, tells the life of Samnang, 20, and his two friends living in the White House.

The building became an important tenement in Phnom Penh. In this rapidly changing city, three boys practice dancing dreaming of a television talent contest while their parents lead a more traditional lifestyle. But the White House had to be demolished. Samnang sees his father unable to unite his divided neighbors over the government's offer of compensation for residents to relocate, and he must face the departure of his best friend from Cambodia.

Samnang discovers that the stable environment he has always called home is located on shaky ground. Differences of opinion between the younger and older generations become an interesting issue in this film.

"This film is very personal to me. I lived there and then left the building in the 90s. A building can have its own story, how people live their lives in that building," said Director Kavich Neang in a virtual press conference, Friday. , July 1st.

The scene that makes this film interesting is showing the reality conditions in Cambodia. One of them is the motorcycle scene shown in the trailer.

"I don't take details about the conversation on the motorbike, because I just want to show my feelings. Because the actor is also not an expert, and it's a bit dangerous to shoot on the street. How many times can you take 20 times. I think each takes 10 times, but that scene is the most difficult, because you have to show two angles," he explained.

Kavich decided not to take the well-known actor in this film to surprise him. Moreover, the story takes the youth's point of view.

"For me to take the character of young people is important, because my country is not a big country. My country has a lot of young people, that's why I made films with youth themes. I was influenced a lot by Cambodian films, for I needed to make this film to give the audience choices," he insisted.

Broadcast in Indonesia, Kavich is enthusiastic. "When making a film I hope that many people watch it. I hope to have an impact on the audience, reflecting their dreams. I'm curious what people will think after watching this film, so I want to read the comments. I hope to meet Indonesian audiences in person for the next film," he concluded.