Name: ____________________________

The Killing Fields

Movie Viewing Questions
When the Khmer Rouge captured Phnom Penh in 1975, many thought the killing would
end. Instead it started a nightmare in which millions of Cambodians would die in the “killing
fields”. Sydney Schanberg’s war coverage entraps him and other journalists in Cambodia.
His aid and friend, Dith Pran, saves them from execution. Pran is then sentenced to labour
camps, enduring starvation and torture. The actor playing Pran endured Khmer Rouge
atrocities and wanted his role to bring light to his nation’s tragic ordeal.

How do the journalists cover the story of What examples are shown of how the Khmer
what is happening in Cambodia? What Rouge treat people? (foreigners,
struggles do they face? Cambodians, etc.)

What is the involvement of foreign countries

in this war? How do they act or react?
 Name: _____________________

What examples of stages of genocide are shown in the movie? How are they shown?

What is the importance of journalists covering events like this? What impact do they have?