Watch White Building

White Building, released in 2021, is a significant Cambodian piece of cinema that reflects upon the often neglected themes of urban development, the inevitability of change, and the emotional and cultural impact it bestows upon its denizens. Directed by Kavich Neang, this film intricately portrays the lives of its main characters against the backdrop of the titular White Building, a once-vibrant apartment complex in Phnom Penh, which stands as a symbol of a bygone era facing the threat of demolition.

The film introduces us to Samnang (played by Piseth Chhun), a thoughtful and artistic young man in his early twenties who has spent his entire life in the White Building accompaniment of his two dear friends, Tol (Hout Sithorn) and Ah Kha (Ok Sokha). This trio of friends has grown up together, sharing their dreams, daily shenanigans, and artistic ions. Samnang, raised in a family that values tradition, has pursued the art of Khmer dance, an intrinsic element of Cambodian culture, under the guidance and expectation of his father.

As the narrative unfolds, we follow the daily lives of these young characters as they navigate the complexities of coming-of-age amidst their rapidly changing environment. The sense of community binding the residents of the White Building is palpable, and viewers glimpse the lives of diverse inhabitants who contribute to the unique tapestry of the complex. This vertical village is not only a refuge for them but also a symbol of collective memory and heritage, embodying decades of shared history.

However, the harsh realities of modernization loom large. The White Building is decrepit, a shadow of its former self, with cracked walls and aging infrastructure, making it a prime target for urban developers who see it as valuable real estate rather than a community hub. The government’s decision to raze the building and replace it with a modern structure sends shockwaves through the community as they are faced with the loss of their homes and the disintegration of their close-knit society.

Samnang's personal life is equally in a state of flux. Encouraged by his father to uphold the family's artistic legacy, he is caught between his iration for traditional art forms and his individual artistic aspirations, which are influenced by the modern world. This coming-of-age element is sensitively portrayed as Samnang grapples with carving out his identity and deciding the course of his future against the societal and familial expectations set upon him.

The true essence of the film lies in its nuanced exploration of the personal impact of socio-economic development and the sense of loss that accompanies it. The characters are faced with the dilemma of holding on to their heritage and the world they know or embracing the inevitable push of progress and the new opportunities it might bring. Their personal tales weave together into a collective narrative that serves as a microcosm for the larger societal and cultural shifts occurring in Cambodia and many other places around the world facing similar challenges.

Cinematography plays a pivotal role in White Building, with lingering shots and an almost voyeuristic lens that captures the raw emotion and authenticity of life within the building's walls. The film's pacing allows viewers to absorb the ambiance, with scenes that portray the mundane yet intimate aspects of daily existence. The camera finds beauty in the ordinary, emphasizing the poignancy and poetry of the small moments that constitute life.

The performances of the cast, including standouts by Piseth Chhun, Hout Sithorn, and Ok Sokha, add depth to the film. Despite being non-professional actors, they deliver performances with a naturalism that blurs the line between fiction and reality, illuminating the soul of the characters they portray. Their camaraderie on screen is palpable, drawing the audience into their world and making the impending loss of their community all the more affecting.

White Building is an empathetic portrayal of a community at a tipping point, and it does so without resorting to melodrama or overt politicization. It invites viewers to reflect on the personal costs of progress, the displacement of communities, and the erasure of cultural identity in the face of relentless urbanization. It offers a silent yet powerful commentary on the relationship between space, memory, and identity that resonates universally, making it a poignant and thought-provoking film. With its blend of documentary realism and a deep humanistic approach, White Building becomes an important voice in contemporary world cinema, chronicling a story of resilience and the enduring spirit of community amidst the tides of change.