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.
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 Via Samakomlao.blogspot.com ------------------------------- Thanks...