Away From Beloved Lover: A Musical Journey Through Cambodia

In the swinging 1960s, young musicians in Cambodia flocked to the capital city of Phnom Penh to rehearse Khmer covers of The Beatles and Pink Floyd. The city was a melting pot of sound, but the music stopped on 17th April 1975 when the Khmer Rouge army captured the city, ending the civil war and beginning the genocide. Around 90% of the musicians died in the killing fields, but a few fled to the US or France, taking what remained of their music with them. Dee Peyok's film Away From Beloved Lover is a musical travelogue that tells the story of Cambodia, past and present, in a thrilling new way. It is an immersive exploration of a country set to a soundtrack too long silenced and finally able to play.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 05 January 2023
Publisher: Granta Books

In the vibrant and energetic 1960s, following nearly a century of colonization, Cambodia emerged as an independent nation, brimming with anticipation and ready to embrace the future. Young musicians from the countryside, drawn by the allure of the bustling cosmopolitan capital city of Phnom Penh, flocked to pursue their musical dreams. Teenagers cycled along the Mekong River, their guitars slung across their backs, on their way to rehearsal sessions where they would perform Khmer covers of iconic bands like The Beatles and Pink Floyd. The city pulsated with a diverse range of musical genres, from the timeless rhythms of old-fashioned rock 'n' roll to the early strains of heavy metal, the soulful crooners, the romantic swooners, and the enchanting love duets. However, the music abruptly halted on 17th April 1975, when the Khmer Rouge army captured Phnom Penh, bringing an end to the civil war and initiating a devastating genocide that claimed the lives of around 90% of the musicians. Despite the overwhelming tragedy, a few musicians managed to escape the clutches of the Khmer Rouge, fleeing to the United States or France, carrying with them the remnants of their music. In her captivating documentary, Away From Beloved Lover, Dee Peyok embarks on a journey across Cambodia, piecing together the intricate story of the country and its remarkable golden era of music. Through intimate interviews with surviving superstars and their relatives, Peyok explores diverse locations, from a traditional house on stilts nestled beside a rice paddy to an artist's studio deep within the ancient forests and a café in the newly divided Phnom Penh. This musical travelogue unfolds like a thrilling narrative, offering an immersive exploration of Cambodia's past and present, set to a soundtrack that has long been silenced but is now finally able to resonate. Away From Beloved Lover is a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Cambodian people, showcasing their unwavering spirit in the face of adversity. It is a celebration of the country's rich musical heritage, a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries and connect people across generations.

Weight: 412g
Dimension: 139 x 216 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781783787111