Presented only in theatres
From remote Cambodian villages to elite art institutions in New York, LOOT : A Story of Crime & Redemption is a daring look into the underbelly of the multi-billion-dollar art market and the deadly reality behind “blood antiquities” filling Western museums today. During Cambodia’s civil war, British “adventurer-scholar” Douglas Latchford led an extensive criminal network, looting centuries-old temples hidden within landmine-filled jungles. The film offers access to key players, including “Blue Tiger” a former child soldier turned looter who now fights to return stolen artifacts.
The film tells the gripping story of the contrast of rich and poor as viewers learn about multi-million-dollar sales of works looted by Cambodian farmers paid $20.00 per week while risking their lives. LOOT : A Story of Crime and Redemption also takes viewers behind-the-scenes as stolen pieces are returned to Cambodia, including some arriving from New York’s Met Museum in July 2024. With thousands of pieces still overseas, Cambodia’s relentless struggle continues against the most powerful figures in the art world today.
In the presence of director Don Millar on March 15th in Montreal.
From remote Cambodian villages to elite art institutions in New York, LOOT : A Story of Crime & Redemption is a daring look into the underbelly of the multi-billion-dollar art market and the deadly reality behind “blood antiquities” filling Western museums today. During Cambodia’s civil war, British “adventurer-scholar” Douglas Latchford led an extensive criminal network, looting centuries-old temples hidden within landmine-filled jungles. The film offers access to key players, including “Blue Tiger” a former child soldier turned looter who now fights to return stolen artifacts.
The film tells the gripping story of the contrast of rich and poor as viewers learn about multi-million-dollar sales of works looted by Cambodian farmers paid $20.00 per week while risking their lives. LOOT : A Story of Crime and Redemption also takes viewers behind-the-scenes as stolen pieces are returned to Cambodia, including some arriving from New York’s Met Museum in July 2024. With thousands of pieces still overseas, Cambodia’s relentless struggle continues against the most powerful figures in the art world today.
In the presence of director Don Millar on March 15th in Montreal.
| Director | Don Millar |
| Script | Don Millar, Ponita Keo, Makara Ouch, Ramesh Reddy, Peter CS Lee |
| Production | Cole Northey |
| Artistic Direction | Ponita Keo |
| Editing | Nick Ogden |
| Music | David Bertok |
Present in these collections
Session
• Musée McCord Stewart
Saturday, march 15, 2025, 05:30 p.m. — 06:57 p.m.
Production
Don Millar
Don Millar draws on expertise telling compelling stories about art and artists, as well as his immersive experience in the international art world. He is the director of the feature documentary “Botero” (2018), previous credits include “Ride the Vibrations” (2021) and ” A Final Sketch” (2024). He is also a former board member at the Contemporary Art Gallery (Vancouver) and an Ambassador for HET HEM (Amsterdam). Don Millar is a lens-based artist.
Biographical notes provided by the film production team
Biographical notes provided by the film production team
A Final Sketch (2024)
Ride the Vibrations (2021)
Art Snap (2021)
Botero (2018)
Ride the Vibrations (2021)
Art Snap (2021)
Botero (2018)