Metal Strings

Metal Strings is a 2024 music documentary directed by Sokpoly Voeun. The film supports local artists in Cambodia and conveys motivational messages to a global audience.

Storyline
Nara stands as a member of Reign in Slumber, a Cambodian metal band. Alongside fellow bandmates Alain, Ronan, Tin, and Nel, Nara is dedicated to preserving their music genre. They confront challenges such as artist discrimination, societal toxicity, and the struggle for survival, all while striving to educate those who may not fully comprehend their artistic endeavors.

Main Cast
Alain Ou is the founder and drummer of the band Silent6, predating the formation of Reign in Slumber. He has also collaborated with Doch Chkae as a vocalist.

Nara Tsutra plays bass for the band.

Nel Briones, a metal vocalist from the Philippines, is also part of the band. She is known for her work with another project called White Widow, founded by Chester Masangya and herself, which has been active since 2019. White Widow has collaborated with various artists and released multiple works, including 'Holographic Genocide' in April 2021 through Black Ring Rituals, featuring artwork by Roman Soleno and John Ivan Pollo. Nel joined Reign in Slumber in 2023, following the Slam City Seam Reap Festival.

Ronan Kemp, also known as Ronan or Alex, is the guitarist from the UK.

Additional cast
Vanntin Hoeurn is a former member of Silent6 and Reign in Slumber, appearing in old footage in the film. Mourin Terry is part of the background cast. Pheakta Mony plays the role of a bartender. Thida Khum, Roem-Sotong An, Samai Touch, Vichet Pen, and Sovicheapanha Phan are among the crowd members.

Production
The filming began on April 6, 2024, at Cloud Bar in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, under the direction of Sokpoly Voeun. Production concluded on April 7, 2024, with post-production beginning on April 8, 2024, and wrapping up on April 25, 2024.

Music
Sokpoly Voeun has chosen to incorporate "Stave Nation Army" by Reign in Slumber from their album "ST/Demo," released on April 4, 2019. The album includes four additional tracks: "Fuck Off And Rot (featuring Mia Priest)," "Witch's Dust," "Altered State," and "Contrition." Also featured is a new original soundtrack titled "Metal Strings" from Reign in Slumber's 2024 album "Isles of Perdition," which includes "Traces."

"Stave Nation Army" and "Metal Strings" were composed by Alain Ou and performed by Nara Tsutra, Nel Briones, Ronan Kemp, Vanntin Hoeurn, and Alain Ou.

Release
“Metal Strings” premiered at the Cloud Metal Film Fest in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on June 12, 2024. The event featured an official selection by Cloud, with various artists and filmmakers in attendance, including Reign in Slumber, the film’s crew, and music artists.