First They Killed My Father

About First They Killed My Father

First They Killed My Father is a 2017 biographical war drama film directed by Angelina Jolie. The film is based on the memoir of the same name by Loung Ung, which tells the true story of her childhood experiences during the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia. The film was released on Netflix and received critical acclaim for its poignant portrayal of the Cambodian genocide.

Explore

• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music, Soundtrack

About

The film follows the story of Loung Ung, a young girl living in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, during the Khmer Rouge's rise to power in the 1970s. As the regime takes control, Loung and her family are forced to leave their home and embark on a harrowing journey to survive. The film provides a heartbreaking and powerful depiction of the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge and the resilience of the human spirit.

Making / Production

First They Killed My Father was co-written and directed by Angelina Jolie. Jolie was deeply passionate about the story and spent several years researching and preparing for the film. She worked closely with Loung Ung, the author of the memoir, to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of the events portrayed.

The film was shot on location in Cambodia, with a predominantly Cambodian cast and crew. Jolie aimed to involve as many Cambodians as possible in the making of the film, which helped to bring an authentic representation of the country's history and culture to the screen.

Actors

• Sreymoch Sareum as Loung Ung - Sreymoch Sareum delivers a powerful and touching performance as the young Loung Ung, portraying her innocence and resilience in the face of unimaginable hardships.
• Priyanka Nair as Ma Ung - Priyanka Nair excellently portrays the mother of Loung Ung, capturing her strength and determination to protect her family.
• Kompheak Phoeung as Pa Ung - Kompheak Phoeung portrays the father of Loung Ung, capturing his love for his family and his struggles to keep them safe.
• Aleksander Mihailovic as Ayatollah Khomeini - Aleksander Mihailovic delivers a chilling performance as Ayatollah Khomeini, the leader of the Khmer Rouge, portraying his merciless and ruthless nature.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film was primarily shot in the Khmer language, with English subtitles.
• Angelina Jolie adopted her son, Maddox, from Cambodia, and he served as an executive producer on the film.
• The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2017.
• First They Killed My Father was Cambodia's official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 90th Academy Awards.

Awards

First They Killed My Father received critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling and authentic portrayal of the Cambodian genocide. While the film did not win any major awards, it was nominated for various honors and was recognized for its impact on raising awareness about the history of Cambodia.

Quotes

• "I'm sorry, Ma. I wish I could have stopped them from taking you." - Loung Ung
• "One day, they will realize their suffering was caused by them and not by us." - Loung Ung
• "The heart sees clearer than the eyes." - Loung Ung's father

Music, Soundtrack

The film's soundtrack features traditional Cambodian music, which adds depth and authenticity to the storytelling. The haunting melodies and lyrical compositions enhance the emotional impact of the film, capturing the essence of the Cambodian culture.