The Conscience of Nhem En

The Conscience of Nhem En is an American documentary from the year 2008.

Action

Nhem En is a photographer. At age 16, he worked as a portrait photographer in the Tuol Sleng prison of the Khmer Rouge in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Between 1975 and 1979 there were more than 17,000 people registered, photographed, then taken into custody, tortured and killed. Only eight have survived. Three of the survivors talk about their experiences. Bou Meng was 34 years. He survived because the prison needed an artist for a portrait of Pol Pot. Chum Mey, 42 years old, was able to repair sewing machines and set. Chim Math, then 20, do not know why she survived.

Awards

2009, the film was nominated in the category Best Short Documentary Oscar.

Background

The film had its premiere on 22 August 2008 in Los Angeles.