written by Bophana Centre

Nean Blong, a resilient and curious individual, faced considerable challenges from a young age. Her education journey was cut short when she had to drop out of school in the 10th grade due to personal and familial responsibilities. Following this, she got married and became a mother, dedicating herself to raising her daughter and managing household duties.

Despite the difficulties she faced, Nean’s curiosity and eagerness to learn new skills never waned. She applied to the documentary training programme offered by Bophana Center under the project “The Arts of Visibility and Positive Social Change” co-funded by VOICE through Oxfam in Cambodia. This program aimed to empower participants with the technical skills and knowledge needed to create impactful documentary films that address social issues and foster positive change within their communities.

Shortly after joining the programme, Ms. Nean’s family encountered a severe financial setback when her husband lost his job as a credit officer. This loss of income placed the family under significant economic strain. Demonstrating her resilience, Nean carefully saved the daily stipend she received from the scholarship associated with the project. She used these savings to support her family, particularly covering the living expenses of her daughter.

Nean’s dedication to the training programme paid off. She worked diligently and successfully produced two short documentary films during her training. Her commitment and newfound skills led to a job opportunity as a production assistant at CIPL NGO in Ratanakiri province in 2023.

In 2024, recognising the value of continuous learning, Ms. Nean rejoined the no-cost extension of the project to further develop her capacity, particularly in organising community events. Her role became increasingly dynamic as she took on leadership responsibilities, notably leading discussions in the indigenous language after community film screenings.

Nean is committed to sharpening her skills in documentary filmmaking to become a professional female Indigenous filmmaker. Her journey from a high school dropout to a dynamic leader and filmmaker is a testament to her perseverance, resilience, and passion for storytelling.

Nean’s case study exemplifies how educational and creative opportunities can transform lives, even in the face of adversity. Her ability to overcome personal and economic challenges while pursuing her passion for filmmaking is an inspiration to others in her community. With continued support from initiatives like the Bophana Center’s training programme, Nean is well on her way to making a lasting impact on her community and the broader world through her work as a filmmaker.

Here is a short video about the impression of Ms. Nean Blong about the programme.