A film by Alison McMahan
"Land mines are the perfect soldiers: they never sleep, and they never die. However, they also don't know which side they're on, or when the war is over."
- Touj Souerly, Chief of Veal Thom, landmine survivor
In 1974 former Khmer Rouge commander Touj Soeurly and the fourteen year old Chhem Sip were deadly enemies. Sip was imprisoned, tortured, and just barely managed to escape with his life to the US. Soeurly lost his leg in battle.
Now these two former enemies are working together to make possible the community of Veal Thom, a cooperative village composed primarily of disabled veterans, from both sides of the war, and their families.
The amputees of Veal Thom cope with extreme poverty, the elements, poor health, lack of education and lack of resources. Through an unprecedented cooperation in a country still torn by political strife, a miracle takes place. With "bare hands and wooden limbs", the amputees make their village blossom.
This film is a testament to what an impossible friendship and cooperation between a former Khmer Rouge commander and a former Khmer Rouge victim can accomplish.
Narrated by Sam Waterston.
Breaking News!
Bare Hands and Wooden Limbs screened in the 2007 Non Violence International Film Festival on June 11 at 6:30 pm and June 13, 2007 at 9 pm. The festival was held at the Princess Cinemas in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, and ran June 8 through June 15, 2007. nonviolencefestival.com
A Word from Feminist Review
"This documentary is a shocking, consciousness-raising, eyes-opening movie.... Everyone should see this film for it is touching, beautiful form...." (read entire review) -- Monika Grzywnowicz
Project Vitals
DVCam, 4:3 aspect ratio
Stereo
NTSC, Region 0 DVD
Running Time: 52:30 minutes
Screeners available on DVD, VHS, PAL VHS, BetaSP (NTSC) and DigiBeta
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A production of Homunculus Productions
Find out how the people featured in this film are doing today at Veal Thom Profiles
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