Photo:The movie theatre at Lao-ITECC was packed to capacity when people came to see Sabaidee Luang Prabang from June 5 to 7.

Audiences packed the theatre at Lao-ITECC on June 5 to 7 to watch the film Sabaidee Luang Prabang, a Lao-Thai co-production which premiered in Laos on May 23.

The film pans the major provinces of Laos , taking in Pakxe, Vientiane and the allure of the country's biggest drawcard, the World Heritage-listed town of Luang Prabang . It describes the growing love between the two main characters, and features comic episodes that introduce a lighter touch.

The film stars Bangkok-based Lao-Australian actor Ananda Everingham as Sorn, a first-time visitor to Laos , and Ms Khamly Pallawong as Noi, his tour guide from Vientiane.

The Lao co-director, Lao Art Media president Anousone Sirisackda, said the producers were pleased with the feedback they had received from audiences and critics...more

He said Ministry of Information and Culture officials who had attended the premier at the National Culture Hall had expressed their satisfaction with the film's content and message.

“We are pleased with our achievements; this could be the new face of the Lao film industry after more than 30 years without a full-length feature production,” Mr Anousone said.

“Even though the film depicted the most significant aspects of Lao culture and lifestyle, we were sorry that time and budget constraints prevented us from making a more in-depth portrayal of Laos .” “We're not expecting to earn much from the film,” Mr Anousone said. “The main benefit of the production is the publicity that Laos will get. We'll definitely make another film, but we have to consider many factors. The good feedback we've received is a strong inspiration to do more.”

The production team is planning to screen the film to audiences in Luang Prabang, Champassak and other major provinces.

Another large crowd is expected when the film is shown at the National Culture Hall in Vientiane on June14.

Source: Vientianetimes

Lao Art Media and Thailand 's Spata will be joining forces to film a new movie entitled Sabaidee Luang Prabang, which will demonstrate the beauty of Laos to local and foreign audiences alike.

The film production team, comprising members from both Laos and Thailand, has already finished filming scenes in and around Vientiane, before moving on to other provinces in the north and south, with the hope of revealing the essence of Laos to foreign movie-goers. The film aims to complete production by Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Year) in April next year...more info >>

Apart from key team members from Thailand , well-known Thai actor Mr Ananda Everingham has been invited to play the film's lead role, the hero who falls in love with a local Lao beauty, the daughter of a Luang Prabang souvenir shop owner.

Sabaidee Luang Prabang , or ‘Hello Luang Prabang', tells the real-life story of a young man of mixed Lao-Australian parentage, who grows up in Australia immersed in a culture very different to that of Laos . But he falls in love with Lao charm and hospitality - and a beautiful Lao girl - during a visit to his father's home in Luang Prabang province.

The film will consist of 70 scenes, three of which have already been filmed in Vientiane . The next destination is Champassak province, where the production team will capture a variety of natural and cultural sites, before returning to Vientiane to film at Sisaket and Ongteu temples, among others.

“The film will, however, focus on the World Heritage site of Luang Prabang, which holds much intrigue for foreign people interested in its cultural and natural beauty,” explained the movie's director, Mr Anousone Sirisackda, at a press conference at Lao Art Media last week.

“ Laos is beautiful in terms of its culture, way of life and long history, and has many stunning tourist destinations, but all of these wonderful things haven't yet been exposed to the outside world. We are confident this film will showcase the beauty of Laos ,” he said.

According to Mr Anousone, starring next to Mr Ananda will be Ms Khamly Philavong, who will play the role of the local heroine. In the film, she will dress according to traditional Lao custom.

Mr Ananda explained that the script actually corresponded with his own real life experiences, and his feelings towards Laos .

“I have often visited Laos because I really appreciate the way of life and culture here; I particularly love the beautiful tourist destinations. I'll never forget the kindness of the Lao people who all treated me so nicely during my stay. I hope to be able to communicate this to foreign audiences through the film,” he said.

Will Mr Ananda (or his character Sorn) be able to win the heart of the beautiful girl? Audiences will have until the film is released to find out.


By Phonesavanh Sangsomboun
Vientianetimes
Photo:luangprabang2day