The Red Sense - Production

Production

In 2004 Khmer graphic designer Tim Pek took a small role for a short film called Chhay. The film was about two brothers and focused on the pre- and post-Khmer Rouge era. Exposed for the first time to how films were produced, Tim started to contemplate various ways to improve the concepts of film making.

A few months later, Tim received a Cambodian Fashion Show video from Adelaide with an extra feature of a five minutes short film, directed by Chhai Thach. This film, entitled ‘Bugger!’, was made in New Zealand and had won the best short film award. Impressed with the simple story, Tim got in contact with Chhai and discussed the making of a new short film as a team. A month later, Chhai came up with another mystery story, also set during the Khmer Rouge era. After some discussion, both Tim and Chhai agreed to make three parts of the story. Tim managed to produce a script within a few weeks for a 15-minute short film intended for entry into film festivals.

The film project was created in early 2005 and became ‘The Red Sense’, or ‘Vignean Krohom’ in Khmer. Pek said of the film: ”I had the opportunity to work with various non-actors which I thought would be a terrific opportunity as a director. The casts and crews are very supportive, which continues to keep my spirit high”.