Ep 5. a.k.a. Don Bonus
- June 25, 1996
In POV season 9 episode 5, titled a.k.a. Don Bonus, viewers are taken on a journey to Cambodia to explore the aftermath of the country's devastating civil war. The film focuses on a man named Thet Sambath, a journalist who spent a decade interviewing former Khmer Rouge members in order to uncover the truth behind the regime's atrocities.
Through Sambath's interviews with members of the Khmer Rouge, viewers witness firsthand the horrors that occurred during the regime's reign. From the forced relocation of millions of Cambodians to the acts of genocide that took place under Pol Pot's leadership, the documentary offers a stark reminder of the brutal history of Cambodia.
But a.k.a. Don Bonus is more than just a historical account of Cambodia's past. The film also sheds light on the efforts of those who are determined to bring justice to the victims of the Khmer Rouge's crimes. The film showcases the work of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, which was established in 2006 to prosecute those responsible for the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime.
Through interviews with the prosecutors and lawyers involved in the trials, viewers get a sense of the challenges involved in holding accountable those who committed crimes nearly four decades ago. The obstacles are many: a lack of evidence, the deaths of many of the key players involved, and the reluctance of some Cambodians to engage with the trials.
Despite these challenges, a.k.a. Don Bonus is a story of hope as much as it is a story of horror. The film shows the courage and determination of those who are fighting to ensure that the crimes of the Khmer Rouge are never forgotten or repeated. As Sambath states in the film, "We have to find the truth. We have to find justice."
Ultimately, a.k.a. Don Bonus is a thought-provoking documentary that offers a glimpse into Cambodia's past and present. By highlighting the efforts of those who are working to hold the Khmer Rouge accountable for their crimes, the film provides a message of hope for the future.
The documentary is expertly crafted, weaving together interviews with footage of Cambodia's landscapes and its people. The result is a film that is both beautiful and heart-wrenching, painting a vivid picture of a country that has suffered so much over the years.
For anyone interested in Cambodia's history or the pursuit of justice, a.k.a. Don Bonus is a must-watch. Through the eyes of Thet Sambath and those who are working to bring justice to Cambodia, viewers are given a glimpse into a country that has faced immense challenges, but is ultimately resilient and hopeful in the face of adversity.
