“VIRGINITY TRADE” AND “GIRLS OF PHNOM PENH”

Tuesday, August 02, 2011

Phnom Penh: Prostitution in Cambodia is illegal, but Cambodia still has a problem of sex tourism involving minors. UK director Matthew Watson’s new film CAMBODIA: THE VIRGINITY TRADE (2009, 60mins) is the utterly alarming account of the lives of girls and women affected by the virginity trade that exists in Cambodia today. Many Asian men believe that obtaining a virgin girl for sex will grant them extra health and luck.

Watson’s 2nd film GIRLS OF PHNOM PENH (2009, 64mins, Khmer with English subs) follows three victims over six months. Srey Leak was deflowered when she was 14. Her two friends, Me Nea & Cheata, opted to sell themselves to support their families. The screening is on Tuesday (August 2) at 7 pm.