“A Calm & Humble Mind” by Strangebrew Creative
Beyond the Short Official Premiere
“A Calm & Humble Mind” is a compelling documentary that chronicles the remarkable life of An Chhay, a Cambodian refugee who found solace and strength in the art of Judo amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the late 1970s. Fleeing the reign of terror inflicted by the Khmer Rouge, An Chhay sought refuge in Canada, carrying with him the scars of loss and displacement. At the heart of the documentary is An Chhay's enduring passion for Judo, a martial art he has dedicated over six decades to mastering. The film delves into how Judo became more than just a sport for An Chhay—it became his lifeline.
Facing numerous adversities, including the tragic loss of his parents and siblings in Cambodia, as well as the passing of his beloved wife, An Chhay turned to the principles of Judo for guidance and resilience. The documentary captures how the discipline, mental fortitude, and ethos of Judo provided him with the strength to navigate life's most challenging moments.
Now, as a respected Judo sensei, An Chhay is paying forward the invaluable lessons he has learned. The documentary follows his journey as he mentors and inspires the next generation of young athletes, imparting not only the techniques of Judo but also instilling a powerful mindset centered on confidence, humility, and resilience.
Through An Chhay's narrative, "The Judo Master" underscores the transformative power of sports in transcending cultural barriers, overcoming adversity, and fostering a community of strength and support. It serves as a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the enduring legacy of a man who found his purpose through the ancient art of Judo.
FROM THE DIRECTOR
“We met A while we were working as cinematographers on an Indie film here in Calgary. During a break, An began to tell us tales of his past life in Cambodia. His story, life philosophy, commitment to sport and well-being stuck with us long after the film had wrapped - so we decided to shoot a short interview with him which would enable him to share his story with a greater audience, This turned into a 2 month long production, an ever-evolving friendship, and the final short-doc that is: “A Calm & Humble Mind”.
This film was a labor of love, and we are excited to finally share it with the world. “
-Strangebrew Creative
Credits
Starring// An Chhay/ @anhor_acts
Directed by Strangebrew Creative/ @strangebrew_creative
Cinematography// Nick Styles/ @nack_styles and Mitch Malyk/ @rodelhawg
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