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Showing posts from July, 2025

The Khmer Rouge After the Fall of Phnom Penh (1979-1989)

  The Khmer Rouge After the Fall of Phnom Penh (1979-1989) The Vietnamese Invasion and Immediate Aftermath (January 1979) The Fall of Phnom Penh On January 7, 1979, Vietnamese forces launched their final assault on Phnom Penh, effectively ending the Khmer Rouge's brutal four-year rule over Cambodia. The Vietnamese invasion, which had been building since late 1978, was sparked by escalating border conflicts and the Khmer Rouge's increasingly aggressive raids into Vietnamese territory. Within days, Pol Pot's government collapsed, and the Khmer Rouge leadership fled westward toward the Thai border. The Mass Exodus The collapse of Democratic Kampuchea triggered one of the largest refugee crises in Southeast Asian history. By the end of 1979, approximately 600,000 to 700,000 Cambodians had fled to the Thai border, creating a humanitarian catastrophe that would persist throughout the 1980s. This massive population movement included not only Khmer Rouge soldiers and cadres bu...

Complete Videography Workshop Guide Workshop Overview

  Complete Videography Workshop Guide Workshop Overview Duration: 8 Hours (Can be split into 2-day format) Level: Beginner to Intermediate Participants: 8-15 people Equipment Needed: Cameras, tripods, lighting equipment, audio gear, editing software access Learning Objectives By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to: Understand fundamental videography principles and techniques Operate camera equipment confidently and safely Plan and execute video shoots with proper composition and lighting Capture high-quality audio for video projects Apply basic video editing techniques Develop a personal videography style and workflow Workshop Schedule Session 1: Foundations of Videography (90 minutes) Introduction and Equipment Overview (30 minutes) Welcome and introductions Workshop objectives and expectations Safety briefing for equipment handling Overview of camera types: DSLR, mirrorless, camcorders, smartphones Essential accessories: tripods, s...

Archive Rules for Memories of Cambodia: A Comprehensive Framework

  Archive Rules for Memories of Cambodia: A Comprehensive Framework Institutional Framework and Access Rules National Archives of Cambodia Administrative Procedures The National Archives of Cambodia operates under a strict regulatory framework that governs access to historical records and cultural memories. The institution requires researchers to obtain formal permission from the Archives Director by providing a letter of introduction, establishing a bureaucratic gatekeeping system that ensures responsible access to sensitive materials. This formal process serves multiple purposes: it creates an official record of who accesses materials, allows for screening of research purposes, and provides an opportunity to guide researchers toward appropriate materials while protecting sensitive documents. The permission process typically involves several steps. Researchers must first submit a detailed research proposal outlining their academic or professional credentials, the specific natu...

Why the Archive at Bophana Center is Important for Cambodia

  Why the Archive at Bophana Center is Important for Cambodia The Bophana Audiovisual Resource Center stands as one of Cambodia's most vital cultural institutions, serving as a guardian of the nation's collective memory and a bridge between past and future generations. Located in Phnom Penh, this remarkable center has become indispensable to Cambodia's cultural heritage preservation and national healing process. Preserving Cambodia's Visual Heritage The Bophana Center's archive plays a crucial role in safeguarding Cambodia's audiovisual heritage from destruction and loss. The center systematically collects, preserves, and digitizes thousands of hours of film, television, photography, and sound recordings that document Cambodia's history, culture, and society. These materials, gathered from around the world, represent irreplaceable fragments of Cambodian life that might otherwise be lost forever. This preservation work is particularly urgent given Cambodi...

Why Archives Are Essential for Documentary Filmmakers, Journalists, Researchers, and Other Professionals

  Why Archives Are Essential for Documentary Filmmakers, Journalists, Researchers, and Other Professionals Introduction Archives serve as indispensable resources for numerous professions, providing the foundation for credible storytelling, rigorous research, and informed decision-making. Different professionals rely on archives for distinct but interconnected purposes, each drawing upon preserved materials to fulfill their unique professional responsibilities. Understanding why archives matter to various professions reveals their central role in maintaining informed societies and preserving institutional knowledge across disciplines. Documentary Filmmakers: Visual Storytelling with Historical Depth Authentic Visual Content Documentary filmmakers depend on archives for authentic visual materials that provide historical context and emotional resonance to their narratives. Archived footage, photographs, and audio recordings offer irreplaceable primary source content that no conte...

What Researchers Do in Archives: Methods, Processes, and Discoveries

  What Researchers Do in Archives: Methods, Processes, and Discoveries Introduction Archives serve as laboratories for researchers across numerous disciplines, providing access to primary sources, original documents, and unique materials that form the foundation of scholarly inquiry. The work that researchers conduct in archives is both methodical and creative, involving systematic investigation, careful analysis, and innovative interpretation of historical materials. Understanding what researchers do in archives reveals the complex processes through which new knowledge is created and historical understanding is advanced. Types of Researchers in Archives Academic Historians Academic historians form the largest group of archival researchers, investigating past events, social movements, political developments, and cultural changes. They examine government records, personal correspondence, organizational documents, and contemporary accounts to reconstruct historical narratives an...