Cirque du Cambodia

When I worked as a journalist and television producer in Bangkok from 2005-2017, I was captivated by the many fascinating cultures I encountered as I explored 13 countries throughout Asia, but it was in 2011, when I visited Cambodia that I came across something that struck me in the most magical and unexpected way. I went to see a local tourist attraction at a special arts school, Phare Ponleu Selpak, in a rural Cambodian village. There, I witnessed a circus show performed by local youths, some of whom come from challenging backgrounds with little hope of a bright future. The palpable joy on the performers’ faces (and the audience's) gave me goosebumps and I knew right then and there that I had to capture those faces, the mind-boggling circus tricks and the incredible stories of these young people’s lives. Little did I know that telling the story of this special circus and two of its performers would consume my life for the next eight years.

Phare’s circus is part of the “social circus” movement, which teaches circus arts to at-risk youths. I quickly learned about the benefits that come with circus training: excellent physical fitness, a sense of responsibility and teamwork, and an understanding of the importance of staying focused and accomplishing goals. I grew to understand how social circus programs are effective in helping vulnerable youths to overcome poverty, potential danger and have a chance at a better life. The importance of the circus and the arts in these young people’s lives was something I hadn’t seen, heard or thought of before, and it deeply moved me.

As I learned more about Phare, I met two of its top students, Dina and Sopha, who were a cut above the rest in terms of their abilities and dedication. They were so talented that they were accepted with full scholarships to train at the best circus school in the world – The National Circus School of Montreal. They had never even heard of Montreal before applying, but they had a seemingly impossible dream: to perform with Cirque du Soleil, and since the venerable circus company's headquarters are located across the street from the National Circus School, they wanted to go for it. With a narrative this compelling, I knew Dina and Sopha’s unique journey – from Cambodia to Cirque – would make a powerful and dramatic film.

I wanted to share their determination and hope with the world, and by promoting the concept of the social circus and Phare, I hoped that others could see the importance of creativity and art in overcoming the many challenges that vulnerable children around the world face. Thus, "Cirque du Cambodia" was born.