Banned Doc on Murdered Activist Comes to Bangkok

A scene from ‘I Am Chut Wutty’

BANGKOK — While the Cambodian government shut down a planned screening today of a documentary about an activist’s murder, “I Am Chut Wutty” can be seen in full next week in Bangkok.

To commemorate four years since the murder of environmental activist Chut Wutty, the Friese-Greene Club on Tuesday will screen the film about those battling the deforestation of Cambodia, a nation which has traded away many of its national resources in return for short-term economic stability.

The movie was to show today at Meta House Cafe, a contemporary art space in Phnom Penh, before it was canceled Monday by Cambodia’s Culture Ministry.

Advertisement

No reason was provided by the ministry, according to Meta House Cafe.  

The film was produced and directed by Fran Lambrick, who followed Wutty around Prey Lang forest in Cambodia in 2010 and 2011 while conducting research for her doctorate.

Wutty was shot to death on April 26, 2012, while investigating illegal logging in a protected forest. No one has been brought to justice, but media reports have implicated members of the military in his murder.

Advertisement

“I Am Chut Wutty” blends animation with real life footage. It will show Tuesday at Bangkok’s Friese-Greene Club on Soi Sukhumvit 22. The private cinema can be reached on foot from BTS Phrom Phong.

Admission is free. Voluntary donations will go to Not One More, a campaign inspired by Chut Wutty to support environmental defenders at risk worldwide.
 

maxresdefault.jpg