For Many, Cambodian Rock Brings Sense of Pride

At a recent showing of the Cambodian rock documentary “Don’t Think I’ve Forgotten” in Maryland on April 29th, Cambodian audience members said they found the film touching, reminding them of Cambodia before the war and the Khmer Rouge. Some said the film made them feel proud to be Cambodian. The film examines a rare moment in Cambodian history, when the country was newly independent and where a rock and roll scene grew, thanks to influences from US radio coming from the armed forces in Vietnam. Menh Sothyvan, a singer and songwriter who survived the Khmer Rouge, told VOA Khmer's Ly Moryvan these rock songs have staying power. They were original and influential. “So we have kept conserved what is our from that time to now.”