Our Lives on Film

In September of 2013, the Luang Prabang Film Festival held a documentary filmmaking workshop called \”Our Lives on Film.\” Instructed by the Humanitarian Media Agency, and funded by The Asia Foundation, this activity allowed Lao filmmakers to learn more about the craft of non-fiction filmmaking over a nine-day period.

The workshop gave an overview of the history of documentary film, as well as several perspectives on documentary theory, styles, and practice. Film screenings supplemented the lectures and discussions before participants began making their own documentary films in small groups.

Six short documentary films were made by the participants, all screened for attendees at the reception. Anoulek Douangdala (employed by Doklao Center) and Kator Philavanh (a freelance filmmaker) made a film about young Lao people\’s growing obsession with their smartphones. Dara Pathammavong (Adri Berger Media Productions) and Sompasong Vongthavone (freelance) shot a short film about an abbot\’s life in temple outside of town. Xaykhame Manilasith (US Embassy) made his documentary about the process of making Lao traditional skirts. Souphaksone Silaphet and Manivan Douangphachanh (both working for Lao National Television) filmed one woman\’s devotion to a particular Buddhist holiday. Phonevilay Keopaseuth (EDF Lao) and Langsith Sangonmany (Hey You Productions) made a portrait of a mother responsible for caring for her disabled daughter. Lastly, a group of filmmakers that traveled from Luang Prabang, Houmphanh Phahongchanh (Damis Films), Yaxeng Ly (@ My Library), and Kongsy Vilayphone (Big Brother Mouse), told the story of woman who collects bottles and cans to support her family.

These films can all be found on LPFF\’s Facebook page.