28th Ji.hlava International Documentary Film Festival
The Ruins of Angkor-Thom
director: Gaston Méliès
original title: The Ruins of Angkor-Thom
country: Cambodia, United States
year: 1913
running time: 13 min.
synopsis
The second surviving film from Cambodia is the remarkable documentary footage of the Angkor Thom complex. Local cameraman Hugh McLung even had a platform built that allowed him to capture unique footage, which subsequently garnered an award from the King of Cambodia himself. The film crew spent roughly twenty days in Angkor. On the way back, they stopped in the capital of Phnom Penh, where Gaston Méliès was received by the King of Cambodia. Some footage of the local traditions was shot here as well, including a procession of elephants.biography
Gaston Méliès (1852-1915), the brother of the more famous Georges, was primarily his sales representative in the United States. However, he has been directing films himself since 1903. He was first celebrated by American audiences. In the years 1912-13 he traveled the world and shot documentary films with staged scenes in exotic environments.more about film
| director: | Gaston Méliès |
