Rice Cycle, Human Cycle

(Documentary – 60min – in production)

---

This is the surprising life story of Lok Ta, an 83 year-old farmer and traditional healer, who lives in a timeless village in Siem Reap province in Cambodia where pre-Angkorian rituals are still practiced. These rituals mark each stage of human life and are in line with the different stages of rice life, from birth to death. Lok Ta lived through the French protectorate, independence under Sihanouk, the Khmer Republic, the Khmer Rouge and the civil war, as well as the modernity of today that seems so distant to his village, and has anointed himself the protector of this fragile culture.

This story began as a documentary about rice and the unique customs and rituals that have evolved to venerate rice as the key staple of Khmer culture. However, in time, it has evolved to focus on the fierce determination of Lok Ta to preserve the traditions and culture of his village while nearby Siem Reap changes at breakneck speed. However, like many older generation Cambodians, he also has his share of survival stories and secrets he has guarded.

Director : Kulikar Sotho
Producer : Arte – NHK
Director of Photography and Editor : Morgan Havet