We Are the Fruits of the ForestWe Are the Fruits of the Forest

Rithy Panh's documentary follows Bunong community members in eastern Cambodia as their forest, land and culture face destruction.

Rithy Panh's documentary follows members of the Indigenous Bunong community in the forests of eastern Cambodia. Over four years, it observes their daily life and the growing destruction of their habitat, with the loss of land, culture and identity. Pa Kreb, Mak Kreb, Yeay Kreb, Mak Lisa and Pouk Choeut appear as themselves. Pa Kreb is at the centre: one of the few remaining bearers of a broad body of traditional knowledge and practical skills. The camera follows him and his family in the forest, where life is closely tied to nature and its elements, and spiritual practices are part of everyday existence. Black-and-white archival footage in split screen connects the Bunong's past with their present. The film also addresses the conflict with Cambodia's trade in CO2 certificates, which the Bunong confront without a concept of forest ownership.

Story written by Evenitto from TMDB and Wikipedia