Synopsis
Leung Tola excelled at school but poverty and polio prevented her from continuing her studies and finding work until she discovered the Cambodian Handicraft Association which provides young women like her with employment training, English classes, food, a home and paid work. She is now assistant teacher in this small, vibrant community of women and its inspired founder, Hay Kim Tha. Our Hope celebrates the true value of handcrafts and the need for fair trade.
About the Filmmaker
Anna Hickman teaches Media Studies in Nelson, New Zealand. She has a few short films and awards to her credit and a project forever on the go.
More from the Filmmaker
Our Hope developed from footage I shot for Trade Aid NZ about one of its fair trade suppliers, the Cambodian Handicraft Association. It celebrates the value of handcrafts and the women at CHA who have been affected by polio, landmine injuries, deafness or mental trauma.
I love bringing small stories to the screen and also those of my high school student – the collaborative and creative aspects of film are very addictive!
