For thousands of years people have claimed they could see into the future.
My name is Brendan McDonnell, I’m an Irish Catholic from a family of 14. My deepest childhood memories were Noise, Chaos and Survival.
My refuge then was the Church.
After spending several years in a Seminary, I left without any qualifications and a ticket to nowhere.
After years of drifting I studied for a degree. But still had no idea what to do with my life. Then one day, a chance encounter with a Fortune Teller who predicted I would work in Television.
From that time, I have often pondered the big question:
Is life just a series of random chance meetings that could lead us anywhere or is our Destiny already mapped out from the day we are born?
[END OF GENERIC INTRO]
00:01:22
[WRITTEN CAPTION READS]: Start again
A FORTUNE TELLER TOLD ME [On screen title]
00:01:27
BRENDAN VO
00:01:38
It’s the final leg of my journey to find out if the future can be predicted. I’ve heard about a Fortune Telling monk, who enjoys the company of the rich, powerful and famous of Cambodian society. Heading North out of Phnom Penh, I’m on my way to the WatPrasatTemple to meet up with him.
[WRITTEN TEXT ON THE MAP]: WatPrasat
BRENDAN
00:02:03
This is one of the largest Temples I’ve seen outside of Phnom Penh; it’s run by a Head Monk who is a senior advisor to Hun Sen, the Prime Minister. This only looks like a governmentminister’s car here. You don’t see many Mercedes, black Mercedes…
BRENDAN VO
00:02:22
Over the last few years the Temple complex has seen enormous development and growth, all funded from donations paid to the Head Monk for his intuitive readings and special blessings.
00:02:47
Before my session with the Head Monk, I was invited to witness a beautiful ritual where a young girl was being initiated through a rite of passage into adulthood.