Men Are Human, Women Are Buffalo

A documentary film about domestic violence in Thailand

Men are Human, Women are Buffalo combines interviews and shadow puppetry to tell five moving stories about domestic violence in Thailand. . In this documentary, five women share their personal and compelling stories of abuse. One woman is the head nurse at a large hospital in Bangkok. Another is a successful business woman who owns a number of restaurants and other businesses. Three younger women recount their experiences of rape and violent relationships. Their stories are sensitively enacted through a series of puppet plays, inspired by traditional Thai puppet theater that is still performed in many parts of Thailand.

StreetScene_cc1s

29 Min.'s - DVD & VHS

For University and Institutional Orders, To purchase, please click here.

Men Are Human, Women Are Buffalo uses a modern variant of shadow puppets (nang talung) and interviews with a range of women in a powerful film about gender relations in modern Thailand. Women from a range of social origins explain their struggles against violence, discrimination and oppression.

This is a powerful film that will challenge students and enliven their discussions regarding the gender relations in Thailand. It takes on difficult issues. It provides some answers, but allows considerable space for classroom discussion.

Kevin Hewison Professor, Department of Asian Studies Director, Carolina Asia Center, University of North Carolina