From the foot soldiers who carried out genocide to Pol Pot’s right-hand man, the notorious Brother Number Two, award-winning investigative journalist Thet Sambath and co-director Rob Lemkin record shocking testimony never before seen or heard, in Enemies of the People. The film premieres tonight on many PBS stations.
Critics have been singing the praises of Enemies of the People, an enthralling new documentary that provides an unprecedented and unflinching account of Cambodia’s genocide under the Khmer Rouge. Here’s some of what top reviewers have had to say:
The Wall Street Journal‘s Patrick Barta says, “It may be one of the most important films about Cambodia ever made.”
Watch co-director Rob Lemkin talk about the film during a recent interview on the Doc Channel
Glenn Garvin of the Miami Herald says “Enemies of the People speaks softly but carries a big stick … Watching Sambath gingerly employ misdirection and understatement to wheedle confessions from the former Khmer Rouge is a fascinating lesson in the craft of reporting.“
“An inspiring film … the story of Mr. Thet Sambath, who spent years researching and interviewing, is a testament to one man’s persistent search for the truth,” says Stephen Holden of The New York Times
Finally, Ryan Kearney of TBD’s Arts blog had this to say, “Enemies of the People might be a horrifying glimpse at the worst of mankind, but Sambath proves that this world is home to some incredible people, too.”
POV’s 24th season continues Tuesday nights through September 27, concluding with a special broadcast on November 10. Keep up with all the films at http://pbs.org/pov, on Twitter @povdocs or on Facebook.