Shirley asks: Did Arn receive any much needed therapy when he arrived in U.S.? It seems that he suffers from post-traumatic stress.
Jocelyn Glatzer: Arn's adoptive parents, Peter (a Unitarian Minister) and Shirley (a school teacher) Pond made sure that Arn received some therapy and from what Arn has told me, Peter had a good deal of experience with counseling. A beautiful anecdote that Arn told me is that every night when Peter was putting Arn to bed he would say, "It's not your fault Arn, you were just a boy. It's not your fault," over and over again.
Arn definitely continues to suffer from post-traumatic stress but he has developed many ways of coping which include talking to others, activism and relaxation techniques. It's an ongoing process, but he is optimistic.
Barbara from California asks: I was very moved by your film and Arn Chorn-Pond's story. The music is amazing. Where can I purchase the recordings?
Glatzer: Hi, Barbara. The Cambodian Master Performers Program is putting the final touches on a CD compilation of the music masters who are now a part of the project. I would suggest emailing Elizabeth Chey at echey@cambodianmasters.org. Ask her to send you information on how to purchase the CD when it is available and do check the CMPP website regularly for updates. Enjoy the CD!
Dawn from Canada asks: I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed "The Flute Player." I have just recently returned home from a 7-month internship in Phnom Penh, Cambodia and your film brought tears to my eyes since it was such an honest and beautiful portrayal of the country I have grown to love so much. I hope to return to Cambodia some day in the near future, but for now, I am looking for ways in which I can help. Therefore, I was just wondering if there is any way that I can help Arn or you with this incredible project?
Glatzer: Hi Dawn, I'm so glad you liked the program -- and thanks for asking how you can help with Cambodia related projects!
We are now in the outreach/education/distribution phase of the film. If you know of any schools/universities or organizations (or even corporations) that would like to screen the film please have them contact jeff@thefluteplayer.net or see www.thefluteplayer.net for information about sales, rentals, speaking engagements.
Additionally, let me tell you about some of the projects on the table to see if they peak your interest:
Of course, there is the Cambodian Master Performers Program (CMPP) which now supports 20 master musicians from 7 provinces and over 200 students. They are always accepting donations to support the project. For direct contact you can email Elizabeth Chey at echey@cambodianmasters.org.
The program has expanded considerably to include other Cambodian arts (such as puppetry and instrument making) and the program hosts cultural tours to Cambodia once or twice a year. It's a great way to see the country and support the arts.
Another exciting project that I am currently assisting Arn with (mostly as a fundraiser and technical advisor) is developing educational and cultural film programs for children in Cambodian. We started an organization called Educational Television for Cambodia (ETC) with a group of American supporters (including 2 of Arn's adoptive siblings). With just $10,000 the production office in Cambodian is now up and running. The Cambodian crew just completed the 1/2 hour pilot show -- and it's gorgeous -- all about the theme of cooperation using music lessons etc. We anticipate a broadcast date of late 2004 (once we have a complete season). The project is extremely exciting, as it will educate thousands of Cambodian children who have no access to school. In addition, it will help to support Cambodian filmmakers by providing jobs, and it will help to spread democratic and creative thinking! If you (or anyone) would like to help to organize a fundraiser please let me know. To make a tax-deductible contribution of any size, checks can be sent to our 501c3 fiscal sponsor: The Arts Company, 452 Huron Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, with Educational Television for Cambodia (ETC) written in the memo. Also, please let me know if you would like to be on the mailing list with updates about ETC and we will send you the brochure. Sincerely yours, Jocelyn.