by National Museum of Asian Art

Join us for a special screening of the film Satook, a documentary about the transformation of religious traditions directed by praCh Ly.

About this event

Join us in the Meyer Auditorium for a special screening of the film Satook, directed by praCh Ly. Created for the exhibition Revealing Krishna: Journey to Cambodia’s Sacred Mountain, this short documentary examines the transformation of religious traditions through the ruptures of the Khmer Rouge genocide and immigration. Titled Satook, a word of blessing spoken at the end of Cambodian Buddhist prayers, the film centers on four intimate conversations with Loung Ung, Bonieta Lach, Mea Lath, and Pon Carvi Ly, who share their personal experiences, memories of their parents, and reflections on their communities, journeys, and beliefs. The screening will be followed by a conversation between praCh Ly and writer Loung Ung. Afterward, join us for a reception featuring Cambodian-inspired refreshments at 3pm and a Cambodian dance performance at 4pm.

praCh Ly is a critically acclaimed and award-winning artist. He was first known as a musician, and his debut album was the first number one rap album in Cambodia. His involvement in film has ranged from scoring and creating original music to producing and directing projects, including Enemies of the People and In the Life of Music. He is also the co-founder and co-director of the Cambodia Town Film Festival in Long Beach, California, and is currently writing a symphony for the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra.

Loung Ung is a Cambodian-born American human rights activist and lecturer. She is the national spokesperson for the Campaign for a Landmine-Free World. Her first novel, First They Killed My Father, was turned into a feature film by Netflix that was directed by Angelina Jolie.

Emma Stein, (Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, Exhibition Curator) giving a walk-through-talk of their exhibition Revealing Krishna: Journey to Cambodia’s Sacred Mountain. The exhibition was from April – September, 2022.

Emma Stein (Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, Exhibition Curator), praCh (SATOOK, Producer, Director,) and Loung Ung (Author, First They Killed My Father)

Emma Stein (Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, Exhibition Curator) introducing praCh and Loung Ung for a live in person Q&A after the screening of SATOOK.

Loung Ung interviewing praCh after the special screening of SATOOK.

praCh and Loung Ung talking questions from the audience after the special screening of SATOOK.

praCh introducing the cast and production crew of SATOOK. (from right to left). praCh (Producer, Director), Reaksmey “Mea” Lath (Subject), Ryan Delancey (Music Composer), Loung Ung (Subject), Frank Martinez (Editor), Emma Stein (Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, Exhibition Curator), Robert Carleton-Chhaing (Cinematographer), Pon Carvi Ly (Subject), Bonieta Lach (Subject) and Vida Vongsay (Associate Producer).

Khmer Jewelry display by EDOEYEN. Authentic. Eccentric. Unapologetic. Khmer art-inspired fine statement jewelry. Designed by two sisters. Made in NYC. (www.edoeyen.com)

Reaksmey “Mea” Lath perform ‘Story of the Serpent’. Story of the Serpent explores the identity of the naga, the serpent deity, who poignantly gets caught in her own tail—a metaphor for struggles with identity in the wake of immigration. The program includes a traditional blessing dance and a contemporary work choreographed by Sophiline Cheam Shapiro.

Reaksmey “Mea” Lath is a celebrated Cambodian classical dancer, instructor, and manager of the Khmer Arts Academy in Long Beach, California. Born in a Cambodian refugee camp in Thailand, Mea uses the sacred art of Cambodian dance to connect with her history, to heal and inspire, and to present Cambodian culture to the world. She is one of the four speakers featured in the short documentary SATOOK, which was created by praCh for the exhibition Revealing Krishna: Journey to Cambodia’s Sacred Mountain at the National Museum of Asian Art.

Dessert by Little Lana’s Cookies (www.littlelanascookies.com). Little Lana’s Cookies are all gluten-free, almond flour. A highly selective ingredients, it take lot of time testing the recipes until they are perfect. Most of the ingredients are organic and natural which makes them such a great choice for your sweet treat. Every cookie has unique ingredients that is specific for each flavor.  This can also be a challenge because each ingredient bakes differently. So when tested, every flavor, the process can be long and strenuous! But when it works–its GOLD!

Food catherd by Oh Graze Away (https://www.facebook.com/ohgrazeawayllc). Artfully curated charcuterie boxes, boards & tables.

praCh with his brother Pon Carvi Ly, in front of the Smithsonian’s Museum of Asian Art. After the Special Screening of the film, SATOOK. Pon is one of the feature in the movie.

praCh with Loung Ung in front of the Smithsonian. After the Special Screening of SATOOK.

Some of the cast and crew of SATOOK, celebrating the event at a afterparty dinner.