Sabaidee Luang Prabang
| Sabaidee Luang Prabang | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Sakchai Deenan |
| Produced by | Anousone Sirisackda |
| Starring | Ananda Everingham |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 90 minutes |
| Country |
Laos Thailand |
| Language |
Lao Thai |
Sabaidee Luang Prabang (Thai: สะบายดี หลวงพะบาง, English title: Good Morning, Luang Prabang) is a 2008 romantic drama film directed by Sakchai Deenan and starring Ananda Everingham. It was the first commercial film shot in Laos since the country adopted communism in 1975.[1]
Plot
Sorn (Everingham), a Thai photographer visiting Laos, falls in love with his beautiful Laotian tour guide, Noi (Pallawong). The film features several tourist sites in Laos.
Cast
- Ananda Everingham as Sorn
- Khamlek Pallawong as Noi
Production
Director Sakchai Deenan claimed the plotline was inspired by a visit to Laos in which he fell in love with a Laotian woman and imagining her as a tour guide.[1] He deliberately created a simple plot "so it would not be too hard to get approval from the Lao government."[2] Previously, the only Laotian films were propaganda and patriotism related, produced by the government.[2] A government member oversaw the production of Sabaidee Luang Prabang so that it portrayed Laotian culture in a positive manner and cut any scenes that the Lao government may perceive to be controversial.[2]
Release
The film premiered on May 24, 2008 at one of Laos' two theaters (both located in its capital, Vientiane) and was released in Thai on June 5.[1] Open-air screenings occurred throughout Laos, including the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang.[2] Upon its release, it was the first Laotian private film, authorities seeing Sabaidee Luang Prabang as the start of a new source of income.[1] The aim of the film was also to encourage bilateral cooperation between Thailand and Laos.[2]
References
- 1 2 3 4 "Truly a premier, Laos releases its first film". Agence France-Presse (MSN). 2008-06-08. Retrieved 2008-07-28.
- 1 2 3 4 5 Buncombe, Andrew (2008-06-10). "Good Morning, Luang Prabang – and hello to Laos's film industry". The Independent. Retrieved 2008-07-28.