Read our exclusive interview with screenwriter, director and producer Daron Ker, whose new film ‘Rice Field of Dreams’ is based on his childhood memories, including watching American movies to escape from the squalor of the refugee camp he lived in. The film follows 22 Cambodian baseball players who competed in the country’s first national team. Ker discusses with us, among other things, what compelled him to film ‘Rice Field of Dreams,’ which is his first documentary, and why he dedicated the movie to his late sister’s memory.
Shockya (SY): What compelled you to tell the Cambodian baseball team’s story in your new film ‘Rice Field of Dreams?’
Daron Ker (DK): : When I became aware of the story of the first Cambodia National Baseball Team, I felt that I needed to let the world hear about the struggles for this team to pursue their dream. I feel that each of these kids are very special, and they are proud to represent Cambodia. Going through the Khmer Rouge era, I feel lucky to have survived the ordeal. I have a desire to bring a positive message about Cambodia and give back.
SY: What was the experience like as you shot ‘Rice Field of Dreams’ and chronicled the baseball players’ lives?
DK: It was really hard to bring myself back to the memories of my past. I am very lucky to be alive. During the Khmer Rouge, kids would be given a number to wear, and then they were executed. I could have been one of those kids. When I saw the team put on their jerseys, I became so inspired that the numbers meant a beginning and not an end. The team numbers have a meaning now that represents and honors Cambodia. I will never forget how proud these kids were when they stepped up and slated their name on camera, position, and the country they represent. It was amazing!
SY: You returned to Cambodia after fleeing the country nearly 30 years ago to come live in America. What was it like returning to your home country to film ‘Rice Field of Dreams,’ your first feature-length documentary?
DK: It was hard, because I didn’t know that the countryside still was so devastated. I was really shocked. At the same time, I realized that this was an important journey to connect back with my roots and to start making a difference. The film started out as a traditional documentary. After I was there, I started reshaping the film. I decided to bring my audience on my journey and introduce them to Cambodia the way I saw it captured through my lens. I saw the beauty of my culture by filming more of a cinema-verte style instead of following traditional documentary style.
SY: ‘Rice Field of Dreams’ is dedicated to the memory of your youngest sister, Vuthona. Do you hope the film will educate and remind viewers of the deprivations people suffer from in Southeast Asia?
DK: I definitely want to educate and bring awareness of the past and present day struggles of people in Southeast Asia as well the world. I wanted to dedicate the film in memory of my little sister because she was born in the refugee camp. She didn’t have a chance in this world, because she was born disabled. The last week of locking picture on ‘Rice Field,’ I got a call from my father that my little sister had passed away. I was saddened by the news, but I knew that she was going to a better place where she will be pain free and happy. By dedicating the movie to her, it brings me peace and gives me more strength to move forward and finish the film strong.
SY: After coming to America and attending film school here, you have stated that you would like to meet with government and university officials in Cambodia to discuss founding a film school there. Why do you feel it’s important to create a film school in your native country?
DK: I believe that film connects us all universally. I remember watching American movies in the refugee camp. By creating a film school, I want Cambodia to make better films in the future to be able to compete in the international market like many other countries in the world. We have great stories to tell as well. I want Khmer people to make films for their country and stop watching dubbed films from Thailand and China.
SY: You have also said that you hope to go back to Cambodia to begin working on your first narrative feature-length film, ‘Holiday in Cambodia,’ which will tell the story of refugees being repatriated after spending decades in the U.S. What kind of support have you received for the film? Have Cambodian officials been receptive towards the film’s concept?
DK: ‘Holiday in Cambodia’ is a very important film for me. I spent over a decade in developing this script. Since this film is still in pre-production, I have not been in contact with Cambodian officials regarding the concept I strongly believe that the government as well as my people will support me when I start production.
SY: What influenced you to become a filmmaker, and what lessons do you hope viewers will learn from your documentaries?
DK: I think film is a great way to express your creative story to the world. It is such a powerful medium. You can empower many lives through the magic of film. I hope viewers will walk away from watching ‘Rice Field of Dreams’ thinking that they can impact lives and think about helping out to contribute to society to make the world a better place for the future of our kids.
Written by: Karen Benardello
