Lao Bohan Movies

Zak · Senior Member

Lao Bohan Movies

Date: Apr 14, 2008

It is about money and man power issue again. If only we have a lot of sponsors, a lot of creative people and a lot of money, everything will be just a piece of cake. biggrin

What Bohan movie do you want to see first ? for me I want to see Xieng mieng in different episode aww

Date: Apr 14, 2008

films or movies are expensive products. to produce the movie you will need a huge fund, special educated and experienced folks. ok you can hire somesone to do it, but when the product is ready, where can you sell and make a profit of this kind of goods.
laos could do good on music video clip or albums, some sort of turism information film, but the movie ? what i want to say is a cheap film will cost you atleast
$ 500,000 ( that is a fun mr. Som Ork needed) for. if you want to produce a historical film you would multiply by 50 and you will see why it is no lao movie produced in Laos.

Zak · Senior Member

I remember a website I came across once before, Xieng Mieng was being produced into an animation. It might have been a flop, because I haven't heard anything else from it.

I like the replies. So that would mean in the future, once there is a theatrical film produced, it would mean that the country itself has a better economy.

I would like to see Chao Fa Ngum in a good light. Also Nang Keo. I believe Nang Keo would be a great one, but it would be hard to make such a negative story positive.

Date: Apr 14, 2008

Laos have never produced a Bohan movie before, I've seen some cheesy comedy about Xieng Mieng, but it's not historically accurate. The Lakhon play about king Fah Ngum is a good start, somewhat the costumes need improvement and research.

For the 450 years aneversary of the founding of Vientiane, we should screen a biographical movie about Chao Saisetha. But that's impossible because we don't even have a studio setting yet, where are we going to shoot a palace scene or have cannons at war.

These are images from the Thai movie Naresuanmaharat.

Perhaps Laos media could work with Thai media, making a movie about jao Saisetha. There wouldn't be as much controversy since Lan Xang and Ayutthaya were friendly at that time. Good idea?

Date: Apr 14, 2008

Zak wrote:

I would like to see Chao Fa Ngum in a good light. Also Nang Keo. I believe Nang Keo would be a great one, but it would be hard to make such a negative story positive.

Do you mean Nang Keo Phimpha, the only Lan Xang female ruler. I think her story is the most intriguing and cruel, negative example for Lao women. Nang Sumangkhala is a good example. She's the

daughter of Chao Suriyavongsa, who is credited for establishing Champasak Dynasty, in the early 1700s. She's the one who escaped away from a political marriage, and gave birth to Chao Soi Sisamout, the first king of Champasak Kingdom.

Zak · Senior Member

I think it would be a good idea.

Although isn't there a slight controversy about his origin and what "blood" he was from?

I remember on a forum a Thai person tried hard to claim that he was of "Chiang Mai" descent, whatever thats suppose to mean.

In that movie, there is a scene of a person playing Saysetha. It was a very nice touch.

Indeed the costumes in that Lakorn play was tacky. Too bright!

EDIT:

I bring this whole topic up because I came across this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2H7yrwy8qE

Its a Thai movie dubbed in Khmer, but I think the original was made in the 1960s in Cambodia.

And yes I was talking about Nang Keo Phimpha. I think its a fascinating tale that could be exaggerated to be a great horror movie, marketed to the west. (because as we all know, the west loves dumb down versions of eastern horror movies).

Then again, are not Lao people superstitious? If the result will be negative, I can live with no movie ever being produced of her lol.

-- Edited by Zak at 04:45, 2008-04-14

Date: Apr 14, 2008

yehh i cant wait to see a movie produced by laos, but hey was there an lakorn of fa ngum? i never heard of that can someone fill me in it was made during 2003 u mention?

Date: Apr 14, 2008

Anonymous wrote:

yehh i cant wait to see a movie produced by laos, but hey was there an lakorn of fa ngum? i never heard of that can someone fill me in it was made during 2003 u mention?

It was made in 2003. It was an actualy play in the Fa Ngum square where his statue is. It was to celebrate his 650th anniversary of when he acsended to the throne of Lan Xang.

Its a VCD I bought at thalad sao. 20USD but it says 40,000kip for the Lao folks.

~Zak

Date: Apr 15, 2008

Zak wrote:

I think it would be a good idea.

Although isn't there a slight controversy about his origin and what "blood" he was from?

I remember on a forum a Thai person tried hard to claim that he was of "Chiang Mai" descent, whatever thats suppose to mean.

In that movie, there is a scene of a person playing Saysetha. It was a very nice touch.

I suppose Chao Saisetha's mother was the daughter of Chiang Mai's ruler. and his father was Photisarat of Khun Lo dynasty. At that time, Lanna and Lan Xang were united. Don't believe those rumors, especially from the Thais mouth telling about our history.

I've never seen this movie, but I saw the Thai lakorn series a couple of years ago. The scene was actually nice. They did a nice job portraying a 'three headed elephant' flag, also the man playing Saisetha didn't wear a crown, was pretty interesting.

Zak · Senior Member

Anonymous wrote:

Zak wrote:

I think it would be a good idea.

Although isn't there a slight controversy about his origin and what "blood" he was from?

I remember on a forum a Thai person tried hard to claim that he was of "Chiang Mai" descent, whatever thats suppose to mean.

In that movie, there is a scene of a person playing Saysetha. It was a very nice touch.
I suppose Chao Saisetha's mother was the daughter of Chiang Mai's ruler. and his father was Photisarat of Khun Lo dynasty. At that time, Lanna and Lan Xang were united. Don't believe those rumors, especially from the Thais mouth telling about our history.

I've never seen this movie, but I saw the Thai lakorn series a couple of years ago. The scene was actually nice. They did a nice job portraying a 'three headed elephant' flag, also the man playing Saisetha didn't wear a crown, was pretty interesting.

In the movie, they had him wearing a plain tunic. But they did have the hat that he wears in the statue. His armor was a bit plain, and even his Army commander was old and skinny. I wonder what they implied! Just kidding. Probably nothing but geez they could have spent a little bit more on the Lao brothas! He was only featured in the movie for less than 5mins and too cut costs, I would have done the same.

They had him speaking Thai though. Then again, the Burmese in the movie was speaking Thai also.

Speaking of Thais, my family has always been prejudice against them. Ethnic groups of people have their bad people, it isn't associated with just the Thais. I am glad I won't carry on such prejudice nonsense. I am sorry but I had to vent.

Date: Apr 23, 2008

I am Lao living in America. I am so happy I came across this "Samakomlao" blog. The reason that not many Lao movies/Lakhoens because Lao people understand Thai Language well, and Thai movies/Lakhoens are made in professional quality. But remember my Lao fellows, if we continue doing this, we will never have our movies/Lakhoens for our next generations. Our next generations will keep watching Thai movies and speaking Thai. It's time to start and support what we have. I support Lao musics, movies, lakhoens 100% and want to see some one or company produce more and more Lao medias.

Zak · Senior Member

Laos2beLaos wrote:

I am Lao living in America. I am so happy I came across this "Samakomlao" blog. The reason that not many Lao movies/Lakhoens because Lao people understand Thai Language well, and Thai movies/Lakhoens are made in professional quality. But remember my Lao fellows, if we continue doing this, we will never have our movies/Lakhoens for our next generations. Our next generations will keep watching Thai movies and speaking Thai. It's time to start and support what we have. I support Lao musics, movies, lakhoens 100% and want to see some one or company produce more and more Lao medias.

So if I came across America, stating that I needed funds for a Lao movie, a Lao Bohan movie about oh.. say maybe King Fa Ngum, would you give money?

Lao people in America barely give their shares to their local Wats. Lao people in Laos could not afford such disposable income. I think we're at a dead end for the moment.

Date: Apr 28, 2008

Zak wrote:

Laos2beLaos wrote:

I am Lao living in America. I am so happy I came across this "Samakomlao" blog. The reason that not many Lao movies/Lakhoens because Lao people understand Thai Language well, and Thai movies/Lakhoens are made in professional quality. But remember my Lao fellows, if we continue doing this, we will never have our movies/Lakhoens for our next generations. Our next generations will keep watching Thai movies and speaking Thai. It's time to start and support what we have. I support Lao musics, movies, lakhoens 100% and want to see some one or company produce more and more Lao medias.

So if I came across America, stating that I needed funds for a Lao movie, a Lao Bohan movie about oh.. say maybe King Fa Ngum, would you give money?

Lao people in America barely give their shares to their local Wats. Lao people in Laos could not afford such disposable income. I think we're at a dead end for the moment.

To Zak, Maybe you don't understand my point here. Don't change subject. Lao people in abroad i.e. America, France, etc.... They stay close to Vads. They rely on the Monks when we have death in family (funeral process). We have Vad in every big city and we support. We can have religeous functions like they do in Laos. Indeed, Lao people have fund raising party to collect money and bring to Laos to build Vad in some city. So please read my comment again.

Lan_Xang · Guru

Zak is right about Lao people and donation to the temple. I've been involved with 3 temples to know that there are not enough donation to the temple.

Laos2beLaos, Lao people do help and donate but not many.

Zak · Senior Member

I am sure I am partly right and wrong, not everyone will donate, but not everyone won't.

I meant to say that are Lao people willing to give part of the income, wherever they are, to such a cause such as entertainment?

Then again in America, more people vote for American Idol than the presidency!

Its a funny fact, but realize there more people eligible to vote for American Idol than the Presidency.

Within a few years, why not really make the movie "Legend of Fa Ngum" come to life? I would honestly love to see that, to give glory to the first Lan Xang monarch.

laopeoplesarmy · Senior Member

The question is, how come the Lao-American don't make the film themselves? The Lao-American seems to have a surplus of qualify professional in every profession and unlimited funding. Why wait for us poor Lao in Laos to do everything. Instead of criticizing us, why don't you show us what you're capable of. What do you think?

Zak wrote:

I am sure I am partly right and wrong, not everyone will donate, but not everyone won't.

I meant to say that are Lao people willing to give part of the income, wherever they are, to such a cause such as entertainment?

Then again in America, more people vote for American Idol than the presidency!

Its a funny fact, but realize there more people eligible to vote for American Idol than the Presidency.

Within a few years, why not really make the movie "Legend of Fa Ngum" come to life? I would honestly love to see that, to give glory to the first Lan Xang monarch.

Zak · Senior Member

laopeoplesarmy wrote:

The question is, how come the Lao-American don't make the film themselves? The Lao-American seems to have a surplus of qualify professional in every profession and unlimited funding. Why wait for us poor Lao in Laos to do everything. Instead of criticizing us, why don't you show us what you're capable of. What do you think?

I'm not entirely sure. Most people in the Lao-American community, most older people I must say, hold labor jobs, not professional kinds. Those with a professional degree, well, they're doing their own thing. Capitalist greed bit them! This is what I like about you, you always stump me to make me rethink my position.

Lao-Americans, we really are a bunch of unoraganized people! Plus there is no market for Lao movies. Only two theathers in Laos, and Lao-Americans still hate paying full price for ANY DVD/VCD! (please find me a person that would ha!)

Date: Apr 30, 2008

I have been thinking about that. Making movie requires lots lots of work, people, money and patience. It's a fulltime job. I want to make some Lao movies but I am not sure how safe to bring expensive equipments to Laos. I want Laos to have movies to stand compete with other neighbor countries especially Thailand. I see that Lao People are beautiful and can act. I want Lao people see and listen to more Lao medias than Thai.

Zak · Senior Member

Laos2beLaos wrote:

I have been thinking about that. Making movie requires lots lots of work, people, money and patience. It's a fulltime job. I want to make some Lao movies but I am not sure how safe to bring expensive equipments to Laos. I want Laos to have movies to stand compete with other neighbor countries especially Thailand. I see that Lao People are beautiful and can act. I want Lao people see and listen to more Lao medias than Thai.

Easier than you think. Bribe a few Thai cameramen some baht and you got yourself a crew!

-- Edited by Zak at 00:39, 2008-05-01

Date: May 1, 2008

Zak,are you serious of what you just said ?
is it from your own experiences ?
please, give more info. who and where can i hire the crew for this amount of money ? let say my story for 65 min. screen time and will be filming aroundxiengmai area. all talents will be local, except 1 student - from USA and
only 1 episode from lao national university. let say 20-30 days filming, 20 -25
crew, 30-40 actors. full equipment, please do me the math or you can take
a half and be my boss!

best regard.
mosp

Date: May 1, 2008

Good thinking. I think you and I have something in common. I want to settle in Laos and do nothing but movies.

Date: May 3, 2008

lao2belao,
please drop me an idea at mosphena@gmail.com.

i really thinking of doing a 25 min. serie s about the oldlan d. what i need are the producer, story writer and the fund raiser.

mosp

Date: May 3, 2008

MOSP. Where are you located? I am Lao male in California. I think we might have something in common. I want to make movie, video karaoke too. I wonder if they have TV station that broadcasts Lao programs.

Date: May 3, 2008

lao2belao,

i think at the begining we can ask laostar and local public station to broadcasting.
if we do a good job, then we can exspand at the local tv station to get attention.
then we will see from then afterward.

p.s. thanks for asking for my location. right now i m heading to fish at columbia river by portland. keep in touch mate. you get my mosphena@gmail.com

mosp