Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge – Part II: The mystery of Pol Pot

Who exactly was the Janus-faced Saloth Sar: a polite child, a friendly teacher, a charming politician, or a cruel, relentless murderer? The latter plays a central part in this film. The innocent looking Sar was internationally known as Pol Pot, the leader of the infamous Cambodian Khmer Rouge. The director offers a comprehensive view on the personal and political history of this communist leader, including old footage, talks with politicians and historians, and fragments of the last interview ever given by Pol Pot; the interview with journalist Nate Thayer, just after his arrest in 1997.

Scenes from the ‘Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge’

The death of Pol Pot

On the 15th April 1998, the communist leader of the Khmer Rouge, Pol Pot was found dead. Forensic experts conduct tests on the body.

Pol Pot: trial and interview

After his arrestation and the start of the people’s tribunal against the Khmer Rouge leader, Pol Pot agrees to cooperate on an interview with journalist Nate Thayer. This clip consists of footage of the trial and of the interview.

Childhood of Pol Pot

In this clip, information is given about the childhood of Pol Pot, born as Seloth Sar in 1925. We hear the story about his family and upbringing, his connections with the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh and his primary education. As the clip shows, this story differs greatly from the story Pol Pot himself used to tell.

The Crowning of Prince Norodom Sihanouk

In 1941, the 19 year old prince Norodom Sihanouk was chosen by the French kolonialist to be crowned king. This clip also shows footage of the young king.

Pol Pot’s time in Paris

After secondary school, Pol Pot went to study radio electronics in Paris, France in 1949. However, he spent most of his time with Cambodian friends, learning about communism. In Paris, Seloth Sar wrote an article attacking the Cambodian monarchy and praising revolution and democracy.

Cambodia gains independence

Cambodia became an independent country in 1953 with king Norodom Sihanouk in power. Cambodia was more peaceful compared to Laos and Vietnam.

Pol Pot contacting communists in Cambodia

When Pol Pot returned to Cambodia in 1953, he became a teacher. He also got in contact with communists in Cambodia and met with Vietnamese communists.

Cambodian communist party and Pol Pot

During the first Campuchean communist party congress in 1960, Pol Pot was elected to the nr 3 position. This congress was an important move for the development of the Khmer Rouge. In the 1960s the party leaders including Pol Pot moved to the jungle to prepare for the armed struggle.

Pol Pot inspired by Mao and the Khmer Loeu

In 1966, Pol Pot visited Peking because of the Cultural Revolution in China. Pol Pot was inspired by Mao, but he had even more extreme communist plans. In the communist hide-out North-East of Cambodia, the Khmer Rouge lived with the hilltribe Khmer Loeu.

Pol Pot’s residence

In the former French governor’s residence, leader of Khmer Rouge Pol Pot recieved guests. In this clip, images are shown of the only interview of Pol Pot during his regime.

Nate Thayer: fragment of interview with Pol Pot

This is a fragment of the interview with Pol Pot by journalist Nate Thayer. The journalist asks the arrested leader of the Khmer Rouge whether he feels any remorse.

Vietnam invasion, Hun Sen and Ieng Sary

In 1978, the Vietnames army invaded Cambodia and Phnom Penh fell 2 weeks later. Hun Sen, Khmer Rouge dissident and contemporary prime minister gives his opinion on the matter. Also Ieng Sary, the minister of Foreign Affairs of the Khmer Rouge tells about his experience.

Anti-vietnamese coalition government and Paris peace talks

When in 1982 Cambodian political parties united against the Vietnamese occupants, the coalition government was formed including the Khmer Rouge. The coalition was recognized by the United Nations. Paris Peace talks in France in 1991 followed.

Last moments of Khmer Rouge and Pol Pot

This clip shows the last years of the Khmer Rouge during the 1990s, up till Pol Pot’s arrestation, the people’s trial in 1997 and his death.