Gendered Lens: “Virginity Trade” And “Girls Of Phnom Penh”

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Phnom Penh: There will be a film on THE VIRGINITY TRADE at 7 PM at Meta House in Phnom Penh on Wednesday (1 February). In Cambodia, each year thousands of girls and boys are bought, sold or kidnapped and then forced to have sex with grown men. UK director Matthew Watson’s new film THE VIRGINITY TRADE (2009, 60mins, Khmer/English subs) is the compelling and utterly alarming account of the lives of girls and women affected by the so-called “virginity trade”. Many Asian men believe that obtaining a virgin girl for sex will grant them extra health and luck. GIRLS OF PHNOM PENH (2009, 64mins, Khmer/English subs) follows three victims over six months. Srey Leak was deflowered when she was 14. Her friends, Menea & Cheata, opted to sell themselves to support their families.