Abstract:
In this final talk series, Annelise and Grace will share their experiences as JRFP American Fellows in Cambodia in 2022 and 2023. They will discuss why they chose to apply to the program, their connection with Cambodia, their experiences in the classroom and language learning, memorable moments from the program, culture shock, their research projects, future plans, and application tips. The presentation will also include a slide presentation showcasing animation concept art by Grace and photographs by Annelise. The discussion will be followed by a Q&A session. The presentation aims to inspire and inform potential applicants about the JRFP program and the opportunities it offers for cultural exchange and research in Cambodia.
Bio:
Grace Neaksai Hough is a Cambodian-American artist, writer, and amateur folklorist studying Visualization and Animation at Texas A&M University. She was a Junior Resident Fellow during the summer of 2022 researching Cambodian folklore and mythology to encourage Cambodian and Southeast-Asian representation in Western Animation. She is currently working on an animated anthology of Cambodian/Khmer mythology and folklore and is actively looking for other artists and researchers to join the project.
Annelise Ayuravann Ratner is a Cambodian-American filmmaker, photographer, and writer currently based in New York City. She joined JRFP during the summer of 2023, just after receiving her B.A. in Film and Media Studies from Yale University. During JRFP, she began a photo project that examined how the (re)production of cultural imagery around urban Siem Reap endows various spaces with a particular sense of identity, memory, and exclusivity.
