This documentary by director John Pirozzi tells the tale of an era of popular music in Cambodia that occurred during the 1960s and early 1970s but that has since become nearly forgotten by history. Combining Western rock music with distinctly Southeast Asian melodies and rhythms, a generation of Cambodian youths created a singularly idiosyncratic form of rock ’n’ roll— low-fi, primal, hooky, yet consistent with the country’s musical traditions. Sadly, much of that creative fertility was destroyed when the Khmer Rouge came to power in 1975, bringing with them a vicious campaign to wipe out all traces of Western influence as they perpetrated a massive genocide.

The film is currently on a screening tour across the United States, including two showings in New York City this week where Pirozzi and “special musical guests” will appear. More info at dtifcambodia.com.