It was late on Sunday evening, when finally Mr. Bounchao, the Director of the Department of Cinema in Laos, announced the winner of the 2nd Vientianale: It is "Calendar", a short movie by Thanavorakit Kounthawatphinyo (who also received the Best Young Filmmaker Award). And it was well deserved. The movie tells the story of a young man you "walk" through calendar dates, apparently looking for his girlfriends birthday. It was a big surprise to see a movie that is not only photographed so well, but also has excellent sound, a good script and talented and well playing actors.
There other prices went to "So Long Island" (Ms Thi-von Muong-Hane, Mr. Chongkham Phonekeo, Mr Vilakone Phachanthavong & Alexi Bigeard) for "So Long Island" and "Sokongs Life" by Mr. Sompong Siharath.
The award ceremony wasn't that spectacular, a bit disappointing for a 4 days festival. But at least it was another wake up call for Lao filmmakers. 27 submitted short movies (although organizations like SNV spammed it with promotional ads), and compared to the shorts from 2009 it was a huge step forward. Laos proves that is has young talents, it now has to prove that they can develop and step out of the shadows of the seniors, who still dominate the business.
Unfortunately the website of the Vientianale doesn't provide all the contestants (there is a lot of room for improvements in digital communication), however the Facebook pageis more informative and uptodate.
So, lay back and enjoy the winners movie here at EAS: