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Film Screening and Discussion “Lotus Sports Club”
29 June, 2023 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Filmed in Cambodia over the course of five years, Lotus Sports Club, is an inspiring coming-of-age story that centres around Leak, a teenage trans man who plays football in the under-21s women’s team of Kampong Chhnang, and Pa Vann, the coach and father-figure to Leak and other LGBTQ+ players on the team. 62-year-old Pa Vann established the football team in 2009 to encourage solidarity among straight, lesbian and gender-diverse players. Opening also his home to the more vulnerable, outcasted teenagers on the team, Pa Vann creates a safe place for them to be themselves. After living with Pa Vann for many years, Leak, driven by the pressure to make more money for his family and forced off the football team because of his age, must take a decision that could mean leaving behind the one person he loves the most. Watch the trailer at https://youtu.be/7BQkOSitDMA.
The Lotus Sports Club documentary project originated in 2015 when Cambodian documentary filmmaker Vanna Hem, Cambodian NGO Rainbow Community Kampuchea (RoCK), and Robert Witlox, founder of Dutch NGO Document Our History Now, decided to join forces for a new project about LGBTQ+ communities in rural Cambodia. The story of coach Pa Vann and of the football team in Kampong Chhnang captured everyone’s attention due to its unique elements and the determination and dedication of its founder Pa Vann. Vanna established, since the beginning, a trustful relationship with all of the subjects of the film and was welcomed in the house where Pa Vann, his wife Sophorn, and Leak and Amas (two of the gender-diverse players of the team), all lived together.
Lotus Sports Club brings empowering stories about the LGBTQ+ community to the general public in Cambodia and beyond. Such positive insight in diversity and tolerance are essential in giving society a better understanding of this minority group and help fighting any discrimination towards it. More information about the film at https://documentourhistorynow.org/all-stories/lotus-sport-club/.
Following successful screenings at various international events and festivals, the film screening and discussion will take place at SEA Junction on 29 June 2023, 5.30-7.30 pm. The film is in Khmer with English subtitle, 70 minute long. Joining the discussion after the screening will be Vanna Hem, the Film Co-producer, and Chhim Putsalun (Salun), the Film’s Gender Consultant. They will share their insights and perspectives on the film as well as the LGBTQ+ situation in Cambodia. Atitaya Asa, the Project Manager of TEAK – Trans Empowerment, will also join to provide commentary on the film and engage in a discussion specifically concerning trans men in Thailand.
Admission to the event is free, but donations are greatly appreciated. As seating is limited, please contact us to reserve your spot in advance!
For more information/reservation, please email: info@seajunction.org or contact us on social media channels. Events are free, but donation most welcome!
Organizer
SEA Junction, established under the Thai non-profit organization Foundation for Southeast Asia Studies (ForSEA), aims to foster understanding and appreciation of Southeast Asia in all its socio-cultural dimensions, from arts and lifestyles to economy and development. Conveniently located at Room 407-8 of the Bangkok Arts and Culture Center or BACC (across MBK, BTS National Stadium), SEA Junction facilitates public access to knowledge resources and exchanges among students, practitioners and Southeast Asia lovers. For more information, see www.seajunction.org, join the Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/1693058870976440/ and follow us on Twitter and Instagram @seajunction
In partnership with
Document Our History Now supports documentary makers, photographers, documentalists and journalists in Southeast Asia in their efforts to tell stories and document Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender communities, individuals and events, along with their history and what they are striving for. More information at https://documentourhistorynow.org.
Rainbow Community Kampuchea (RoCK) is a Cambodian non-government organization dedicated for supporting LGBT+ rights in Cambodia. RoCK works closely with LGBT communities and respective local authorities across the country to ensure long-term protection and support of equal rights and acceptance for LGBT people and their families. More information at https://rockcambodia.org.
