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Preah Vihear, also known as Prasat Preah Vihear (Khmer)/ Khao Phra Viharn (Thai), is an 11th-century Hindu temple devoted to Shiva. Perched atop a 525-meter cliff in the Dângrêk Mountains along the Cambodia–Thailand border, it is celebrated for its remarkable Khmer architectural design. In 2008, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over the years, the temple has been at the center of territorial disputes between Cambodia and Thailand due to competing territorial claims based on lines drawn on a 1907 colonial French-produced map leaving space for interpretations. The historical documentary produced by David A. Feingold in 2015, examines the recurrent disputes that occurred between 2008 and 2013. Filmed over five years in both Thailand and Cambodia, Life and Death of Preah Vihear explores how historical mapping, shifting concepts of borders, and evolving national narratives have shaped relations between the two countries. In addition, the film also highlights the magnificence and mystical symbolism of the temple itself, via usage of rare, archival footage. In the words of Bambi B. Schieffelin, Collegiate Professor, Professor, Anthropology, New York University:
“This compelling documentary conveys how maps, senses of place and time, sovereignty, and religion are drawn into on-going struggles about the contested location of Preah Vihear Temple – Cambodia or Thailand. Using historical and contemporary sources, experts and ordinary citizens, the film offers multiple perspectives and insights into how borders and sentiments about them are implicated in domestic and international politics in surprising, and devastating ways, that continue into the present. Highly relevant to area studies, the films would add to courses on memory, politics, place, and religion. The film raises important questions for anthropology and cultural studies.”
The screening will take place at SEA Junction, room 407-8, 4th Floor, BACC on 10 March 2026 on 5.30–7.00 pm. The film is 51 minutes long, it will be in English, Thai and Khmer with English subtitles. The director of the film, David A. Feingold, will be present for the Q&A session, moderated by Rosalia Sciortino, Director of SEA Junction. The Q&A session will be in English.
Film Information
Director, Writer, Producer: David A. Feingold
Director of Photography: Stanley Staniski
Editor: Sam Lee
Producer (Thailand): Satharn Pairaoh
Producer (Cambodia): Marina Pok
Narrator: Paul Bellantoni
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Event Venue
Suite 407-8 BACC, Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, 939 Rama 1 Rd, Pathum Wan, Bangkok, Thailand, Bangkok 10330, 508 ถนน พญาไท, ปทุมวัน, กรุงเทพมหานคร, กรุงเทพมหานคร 10330, ประเทศไทย, Nana Plaza, Thailand
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