The Baker
An unassuming man spends his entire life baking doughnuts. The long 9 hours shifts, for 7 days a week, are fueled by a time period that robbed him of his childhood.
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Directed by: Chealy Jean (USA)
Genre: Short Doc
Running Time: 00:12:30
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Film Critiques
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"Watching this film evoked deep compassion and respect in me for Sothea, the Baker; compassion also for the millions of people who underwent so much suffering and hardship, and those who would commit such senseless atrocities in their denial of humanity. A brilliant piece of film-making which brings attention to the pain of a single individual against the backdrop of hegemonic power politics. Though a short, this is an important film with important lessons for humankind."
- Arun Gowri
Spiritual Coach/Alternative Healer
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"Its like an arrow to my heart, it moved me to tears. Deeply profound short. It took me back to my own memories— the time I left Mexico at the age of 19 and my life in America now. You almost have to go through it yourself to truly appreciate The Baker, maybe not.. because the pain of the holocaust can be felt universally. May we let the story of The Baker remind us to not repeat history."
- Luis Corza
@MOTHERDENIM
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"My heart is full and I am humbled by my local doughnut shop owner whose family work so hard, and with such good humor and gratitude for their customers. They sacrificed so much. I am grateful that this movie was made and hope it receives the recognition that it deserves. I love you and am proud of you. It’s a beautiful and touching film, and we are all acquainted with a man in our neighborhood donut shop who must share that same story. I wanted to cry. They deserve our support and compassion."
- Marty Spencer
Proprietor
The Smoke House (Burbank) + The Warehouse (Marina Del Rey)
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"Very well done. Quite a powerful story. A much needed history lesson—brought home by one of LA’s many Cambodian donut-makers. I imagine there are many like him with a similar tragic tale to tell."
-Patrick Riley
Writer/Producer
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"Powerful film."
- Bill Pennucci
Author of La Costa Nostra Scuala (in process)
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"I was incredibly impressed. Like really, really well done. Was even feeling pretty emotional about it while watching. Thank you for sharing it, finally!"
- Eric Olmstead
International Artist/Designer
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"In tears so moving, so powerful, so touching and so important. I am so tremendously proud of you"
- Iris Weinstock
Senior Attorney
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"A tribute to the Cambodian heritage, an honor to the many people who lost their lives and sad truth about the khmer rouge genocide. Thank you for sharing."
- Jeremy Dee
Real Estate Mogul
"The Baker, a heartfelt gem of a film, is a story of survival, a story of the visceral atrocities of a meaningless war, of a direct confrontation with death, loss, and ultimately it is a story of the triumph of the spirit. The film, told through the voice of a simple baker with a complex history, effectively balances both subtlety and power, and it asks us to reflect on how much more lies beneath the surface of what we see."
- Enzo Resta
Writer/Producer
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"Tremendous job on the film."
- Barry Katz
Producer
