Boding (2014)

Phnom Penh's iconic White Building, known to locals as Boding, is considered a symbol of the New Khmer Architectural Movement led by celebrated architect Vann Molyvann. Built in 1963, it was abandoned during the Khmer Rouge regime, but families started re-settling in it in the 1980s. The demolition of the building was announced in 2014 to public outcry, and it was eventually torn down in 2017. Director Kanitha Tith chose to forgo delving into the historical context surrounding Boding's powerful official image that often distracts us from the building itself. Instead she closes in on the corridors, utilitarian spaces that are often overlooked, even invisible, but which connect all the units and thus the residents therein. By dwelling on subtle changes in light, perspective, sound and atmosphere in these spaces, Boding invites viewers to occupy the building in an intimate way, welcome small activities thar occur within these well-trodden walkways as the major events, and notice it as a place. With fresh eyes, the progressive exploration of the interior makes building seem increasingly alien, leading one to lose sense of time-the elusive theme of this film-to which we are all subject.