How to Tell a Story

With support from VOICE and in conjunction with @ My Library, LPFF implemented a new free filmmaking training program called “How to Tell a Story” in 2018. Over the course of seven two-day sessions, experts from Vientiane (and a few from Luang Prabang) hosted screening, discussions, and workshops at @ My Library for young filmmakers in the Luang Prabang area. Designing their own modules to cultivate critical viewership, analysis, and storytelling skills, the experts share strategies used in filmmaking and provide feedback and guidance for participants’ own independent projects. Following the workshops, participants have the opportunity to sign up for ongoing mentorship with one or more of the established filmmakers.

Why Film?

Laying their filmmaking foundation with expert Khamhou “Tou” Phanludeth, participants in the first workshop explored their answers to the core question: Why do you want to make a film?

Turning an Idea into Film

Director Anysay Keola walked participants through his screenwriting process, explaining influences and techniques utilized for story development in his own films At the Horizon, Above it All, and Vientiane in Love.

Show Don’t Tell

Director Xaisongkham Induangchanthy broke down visual storytelling techniques and filmmaking dos and don’ts using a variety of shorts as examples, alongside his own films Because I am a Girl and The Long Way Home.

Developing Your Documentary

Dorn Bouttasing kept workshop participants on their toes as they moved around the room, digging into documentary concepts and learning new techniques to employ when working with actors/non-actors.

Developing Storyboards

Luang Prabang-based filmmaker Sonepasith Panphila led a special two-day workshop during @ My Library’s own 5-week intensive filmmaking class to develop the students’ storyboards.

From Footage to Film

Vientiane-based filmmaker Soukthavone “Abel” Panyaphone showed workshop participants how to professionally edit their films on software like Adobe Premiere Pro.

Special Effects

From explosions to spaceship landings, Beyond the Power director Palinya Sayyamoungkhoun and Light Flare Team member Desophon Jinnalard gave students the tools they need to bring their stories to life in a special effects workshop.