Photo: An artist's 3D depiction of the Lao Music Awards prize.

The first ever Lao Music Awards will be held this summer in the capital, to promote the work of the local music industry and to acknowledge the wealth of quality Lao songs, singers and songwriters.

Sengdara Communications will work closely with the Ministry of Information and Culture to organise the first ever Lao Music Awards.

“We will present awards for our best songs and artists, as well as those working behind the scenes, during this, the first annual music awards in Laos,” Sengdara Communications Creator, Mr Vannasy Phonchanheuang, said yesterday...read more

“Winners will each receive a unique prize combining traditional design with an international flair – a vintage record player or gramophone, combined with a dok champa (the Lao national flower),” Mr Vannasy explained.

The Lao music industry has grown significantly in recent years. While just a decade ago listeners could hear only traditional folk songs and country music, today the burgeoning industry has given birth to many other genres, including pop, rock, r&b, hip-hop and dance.

“The award will be a catalyst for further development of the Lao music scene, because it will encourage artists and record companies to produce quality music, both in traditional genres and more contemporary styles,” the Acting Director General of the Fine Art Department, Mr Xaysavath Singnamvong, said.

Through the continued support of the government and private sectors, the local music industry continues to grow in leaps and bounds, he noted.

“There are still, however, only a few people who consider music to be their main career. This is due to a lack of support and national acknowledgement. The announcement of the 2008 Lao Music Awards is therefore an historic event,” he said.

Mr Vannasy added that the event aims to target all Lao singers, artists and composers, to encourage the development of musical talent to its fullest degree and raise the stature of musicians as valuable assets, and very real stars.

It is hoped the awards will not only encourage those already in the business to strive to produce the highest quality music for the enjoyment of fans, but also inspire anyone with the talent and aspirations to aim for stardom.

Awards will be given in 13 categories, including best album of the year; best song of the year; best male and female artists; best group or band; best traditional Lao song; best country, folk, pop, rock and hip-hop songs; and best producer and composer.

“We will have a press conference soon to announce further details, and to request that all recording companies send nominations for the awards,” Mr Vannasy said.

By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
Vientianetimes

A new feature film, entitled Sabaidee Luang Prabang , a collaboration between Lao Art Media and Thailand 's Spata, will soon be enthralling audiences with colourful images of Laos .

Work on the film began in December, with three of the 70 scenes filmed in Vientiane and the rest in Champassak and Luang Prabang provinces. It will be released ahead of Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Year) in April.

After approval by the various sectors, the producers expect to feature their film at the National Culture Hall and Lao-ITECC; at the same time it will be screened in theatres in Thailand .

The film tells the real-life story of a young man of mixed Lao-Australian parentage, who grew up in Australia immersed in a culture very different to that of his parents. But he falls in love with Lao charm and hospitality - and a beautiful girl - during a visit to his mother's home in Luang Prabang province...more info and photos>>

Thai actor Ananda Everingham, who was happy to contribute his time, play's the lead role, falling in love with a local Lao beauty, the daughter of a Luang Prabang souvenir shop owner.



“We didn't encounter many difficulties during shooting and our team was determined to produce a good film,” said the President of Lao Art Media, Mr Anousone Sirisackda, on Monday.

He was unable to calculate the overall cost of the production, but explained that everyone involved had tried to make the best film they could within budget, to capture the beauty of Laos for local and foreign audiences alike.

“The film won't just showcase the beauty of our nature and culture, but will also help to promote and develop the entertainment industry in Laos , particularly if it is successful in foreign cinemas,” Mr Anousone said. “After this release, I hope that Lao films and filmmakers will become more well-known and have the chance to work on further productions.”



The producers will be adding subtitles in English so that overseas visitors can follow the story and gain an insight into Laos .

By Phonesavanh Sangsomboun
Vientianetimes

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