S.F. Asian American
Paper Cannot Wrap Up Embers
Le Papier ne peut pas envelopper la braise (Documentary -- France)
A CDP, Ina production, in association with France 3, France 5, Sundance Channel. (International sales: Catherine Dussart Prods., Paris.) Produced by Christophe Barreyre, Gerard Collas. Executive producer, Catherine Dussart. Directed by Rithy Panh.
With: Kim Thida, Kim Phirom, Kim Sareth, Marady, Kauv Aun, Mom, Chantrea, Srey Aun, Neang Phanna, Meas Chandry.
With Rithy Panh's next project announced as a Marguerite Duras-derived drama starring Isabelle Huppert, the Paris-based, Cambodian-born helmer's "Paper Cannot Wrap Up Embers"
can be viewed as a docu-to-drama transitional step. Again returning to
his native land, Panh focuses on prostitutes living in one dilapidated
Phnom Penh building. Visual polish and rehearsed-sounding exchanges
among participants (presumably real-life sex workers) seemingly
oblivious to the camera make pic seem more a slice of poetically staged
life than verite. Highly specialized item will appeal to select
broadcasters; an hourlong version also exists.
Despite occasional
levity, the protags -- who seem to have no future and barely have a
present -- leave a despairing impression. They lament the home villages
they're too ashamed to return to, abusive clients and madams, paltry
pay, past abortions and so on. One "older" woman (at 34) has seen four
of six children die (and a fifth stolen), and the low-end tricks she
turns barely buy her a bowl of rice per day. Another is dying of AIDS,
with no money for meds. Panh's approach holds attention, but also has a
certain stilted, dirge-like monotony.
Camera (color, video), Prum Mesar; editor, Marie-Christine Rougerie;
music, Mark Marder. Reviewed on DVD, San Francisco, March 24, 2008. (In
San Francisco Asian-American Film Festival -- Documentary Showcase.)
Khmer dialogue. Running time: 86 MIN.
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