DW - The Forgotten Temple of Banteay Chhmar (2020)

Deep in the jungle of Cambodia lies a jewel from the Khmer Empire the temple of Banteay Chhmar. Half devoured by plants and long forgotten by most people, the 800-year-old complex is slowly being rediscovered.

The village community of Banteay Chhmar is taking charge. Far from the well-trodden tourist trails, the rice farmers of this small village are trying an experiment unknown in Cambodia with almost no outside help, they are fighting to preserve and restore their temple using nothing but their own strength.

The filmmakers meet a young couple, Sreymom and Sopeng, who are enthusiastically involved in the village's project. For them, the temple is a sacred place, and they teach their two young daughters to respect Buddha. Sreymom does not want to confine herself to the role of housewife and mother she has professional ambitions, and applies for a job as teacher at the village school.

Her husband, Sopeng, is a rice farmer and works part-time as a temple guide for the few travelers who visit the village. There is a lot to discover, including ornate Khmer reliefs documenting daily life in the ancient civilization, eerie temple tunnels and larger-than-life faces carved into towers that rivall those at the world-famous Angkor Thom.

The village's annual cultural highlight is Bon Om Tuk, the water festival, traditionally held on the water surrounding the temple.

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