Producer Director Tom Peppiatt met Aki Ra when travelling across Cambodia on a motorbike in 2006. Alongside a successful career directing for BBC, Sky and Netflix he has shepherded this passion project to the screen. The film tells the story of Aki Ra’s incredible life story from child soldier for the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia to his dismantling of over tens of thousands of landmines by hand, and providing a home for many orphans and wounded children whilst running the Landmine Museum. A truly remarkable story, told with grace and beauty by his wife and other contributors over a 20 year period. The film received a packed out screening at The Frontline Club.
Hallowed ground for a photographer, The Frontline Club was established in London in 2003 by war cameraman Vaughan Smith, serves as a premier hub for journalists and photographers, fostering quality, independent reporting. It honours journalists killed in action while providing a venue for discussion, training, and community.
The event was a massive success as – under the watchful eyes of iconic photography by the likes of Don McCullin and Robert Capa – the film played to an audience of journalists, film makers, free thinkers, experts in International affairs and friends and family. Lots of tears, quiet fury and a thunderous applause as the film ended and the Q&A began.
I was commissioned to shoot stills for Tom’s screening and the audience Q & A afterwards with John Swain, senior Correspondent for ITV and author of “river of Time”, Aki Ra, Tom Peppiatt, producer/Director and Charles Bechara the Communications and Media Manager for the International Campaign to Ban Landmines – Cluster Munition Coalition (ICBL-CMC
Events photography isn’t just about documenting that the event happened. It’s about capturing the spirit of the gathering of people, the mood, interactions and character of the night.
Give me a shout if you have an upcoming event and would like me to capture a bank of images for you. 07957 692686
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