Lao Movie Update

"Sabaidee Luangprabang", the first feature film in Laos after few decades of Lao-made movies being absent from the country. Damn it! I was hoping that I would be the first Lao movie director making and selling a feature film overseas. But wait, this movie is being directed by a Thai director! Technically, it is not entirely and purely a Lao movie. Thus, I still could be the first Lao movie director who makes and sells a feature film overseas, including Hollywood. Don't mind me; I just like to entertain myself with this thought.

Anyway, 'Sabaidee Luangprabang' is co-produced by Lao Art Media and Thai companies, including Ananda EVERINGHAM after the companies not being able to afford to pay him to star in the movie.

The leading man and lady are Ananda Everingham, Lao-Australian actor, and Khamly Philavong, a resident of Xiengkhouang province, respectively. That's right, she lives in Xiengkhouang. And she is my driver's cousin. You see, if you are famous, everyone wants to be associated with you. I always tell other people when they ask about the movie, "You know, the actress is my driver's cousin and she lives right here in Xiengkhouang!?”

The initial plot: "The plot centres on a man of Lao and Australian parentage who visits his father’s former home town of Luang Prabang, where he is struck by the beautiful nature, culture and traditions.

During his travels, the young man meets and falls in love with a beautiful girl, who seems to him to embody the character and spirit representative of Lao women, which is different from those of the where country he grew up..."

Later the plot was changed to something like "....a man from Thailand is looking for his Thai girlfriend who is running away from him to Luangprabang. While he is in search of his girl, he falls in love with a Lao tour guide and her country, i.e Laos..." Ah! Very nice!

Read more about the movie here.