Masuk High School Welcomes Filmmaker James Taing for Powerful Presentation on the Cambodian Genocide
On Monday, December 2, 2024, Masuk High School had the honor of hosting Mr. James Taing, who shared a deeply personal account of the Cambodian Genocide with students and staff. Mr. Taing is not only the author of his father’s harrowing story of survival but also the co-creator of the award-winning documentary Ghost Mountain: The Second Killing Fields of Cambodia.
The event, coordinated by Library Media Specialist Meghan Letko and K-12 Social Studies Instructional Leader Jamie Sherry, complemented the sophomore curriculum on genocide. Many students had recently conducted research on genocides throughout history, with several focusing on the Cambodian Genocide. Screening the documentary provided students with an emotional and historical perspective, followed by an engaging Q&A session with Mr. Taing.
Mr. Taing’s story sheds light on the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge, including the lesser-known massacre of Cambodian refugees. His father was among 45,000 refugees who fled to Thailand seeking safety, only to be forcibly returned to a landmine-infested border. Thousands perished on this treacherous march. Against overwhelming odds, Mr. Taing’s father survived and eventually emigrated to the United States, where he built a life of success and resilience.
During the presentation, Mr. Taing spoke candidly about his motivation for creating the documentary. “I didn’t think I would become a documentary filmmaker, but I couldn’t not tell this story,” he said. His admiration for his father and determination to preserve his family’s history inspired the project.
Mr. Taing left students with a powerful challenge: to learn their own family histories and honor the stories of resilience and survival within them. In addition to sharing his story, Mr. Taing and the presenters generously donated copies of the memoir Under the Naga Tail to support Masuk’s English and Social Studies memoir book clubs.
This meaningful event offered students a rare opportunity to connect history with personal narratives, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.