- “The Rocket” (2013): This Australian-Lao co-production tells the story of a young boy named Ahlo who, along with his family, is forced to leave his home village due to the construction of a new dam. It’s a heartwarming coming-of-age tale that showcases the scenery of Laos.
- “The Last Reel” (2014): This film is a Cambodian-Lao co-production set in both Cambodia and Laos. It follows the story of a young woman who discovers an old film reel and becomes obsessed with reenacting the unfinished story. Through her journey, the movie provides a glimpse into Laos’ history and its neighbouring country.
- “Dearest Sister” (2016): This horror-drama film is a Laotian-Estonian co-production that offers a take on supernatural suspense. The story revolves around a girl from rural Laos who moves in with her wealthy cousin in the capital city, Vientiane. As supernatural events unfold, the film delves into themes of tradition and class divide.
- “Sabaidee Luang Prabang” (2008): This Laotian film depicts the story of a young girl who dreams of attending school but is forced to work on her family’s farm instead. Set in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang, the film highlights the struggle for education and social development in the country.
- “Red Scarf” (2011): This Laotian drama explores the lives of two teenage siblings as they navigate the complexities of adolescence in a rural village. As the younger sister discovers a red scarf, their lives take an unexpected turn. The film offers a glimpse into the daily life and experiences of young people living in Laos.
- “The Coroner’s Lunch” by Colin Cotterill: This mystery novel takes place in 1970s Laos and features Dr. Siri Paiboun, a reluctant coroner who becomes entangled in a politically charged investigation.
- “The Road of Lost Innocence” by Somaly Mam: Although not a fictional novel, this memoir tells the powerful story of Somaly Mam, a former Cambodian child sex trafficking victim, who works to rescue and rehabilitate young girls in Laos.
- “The Gate” by François Bizot: This historical novel is set in 1971 and explores the true story of Bizot, a French ethnologist who is captured by the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia and transported to Laos.
- “The Latehomecomer” by Kao Kalia Yang: While primarily set in Laos during the Vietnam War, this memoir also covers the author’s experiences as a Hmong refugee in Minnesota. It provides a perspective on the impacts of war and displacement.
- “Sightseeing” by Rattawut Lapcharoensap: This collection of short stories is set in various parts of Thailand, including Laos. The stories offer an intimate glimpse into the lives of characters facing poverty, corruption, and the consequences of modernization.
WANDERLIST: Laos in books and on film
0
Share.
