AUCKLAND (Auckland University/Pacific Media Watch): Brother Number One, a New Zealand documentary about the torture and murder of yachtsman Kerry Hamill by the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia in 1978, is being launched at the Auckland International Film Festival this month.
It follows the journey of New Zealander Rob Hamill, an Olympic and Trans-Atlantic champion rower, who travels to Cambodia to retrace the steps taken by his brother speaking to eyewitnesses, perpetrators and survivors of the so-called "killing fields" genocide.
An estimated 1.7 million people were murdered by the Pol Pot regime between 1975 and 1979 immediately after the end of the Vietnam war .
"The film is now just completed and has already been accepted into some very good festivals," film maker associate professor Annie Goldson of Auckland University said.
The documentary will be premiered on July 24 and also shown on the 27th at the Auckland film festival.
"We are in the process of organising a local Cambodian dance troupe to open the premiere on the 24th," Goldson said.
"The Wellington dates are now set. The film is getting excellent reviews here at home.
New Zealand Herald film reviewer Peter Calder said: "Exquisitely restrained . .best documentary in the film festival programme."
The film has also been invited to the Melbourne International Film Festival in Australia.
"We are also developing an educational and outreach website with testimonies, blogs, study guides, behind the scenes clips, outtakes, think pieces and so on," Goldson said.
Annie Goldson interview on Brother Number One - NZ Listener
Pacific Media Watch
