Theravada Buddhism has been the Cambodian state religion since the 13th century (except during the Khmer Rouge period). Religion plays a major role in the daily lives of Cambodians. Boys traditionally spent part of their lives as monks. Although less common today, this practice is once again widespread. Families consider it a great honor if their sons enter a monastery and live as monks, however briefly. For many, it is also the only opportunity to receive some kind of education. The photographs shown are from a Buddhist temple near Kampot in southern Cambodia.
Steff Gruber (1953) is a Swiss photographer and filmmaker. He worked as a press photographer for Keystone Press and was one of the first filmmakers to deal with the docudrama genre. Based on his interest in documentaries, Steff Gruber began shooting photo stories in various countries that focused, in particular, on human interest subjects and humanist concerns. In 2020 Steff Gruber opened the Lumiere.Gallery for digital photo exhibitions. Steff Gruber is a member of the Swiss Association of Journalists and Photographers IMPRESSUM.
