TV series depicts plight of unloved children
 

Television viewers are getting a taste of something different with the airing of Lao Star Channel's twice-weekly series Namta Louk (Child's Tears), which launched on June 30.

Head of the TV drama section of the Performing Arts Department of the Ministry of Information and Culture, Mr Seng-aloun Bualavong, spoke at the series launch on Friday. He said it was the first of many TV series on social issues the production team hoped to offer viewers.

Mr Seng-aloun Bualavong speaks to reporters at the launch of the TV drama series Namta Louk .

“This series was made to raise public awareness about the need to think carefully before having children so that children get enough care from their parents,” Mr Seng-aloun said.

Namta Louk portrays the plight of children who have not received enough care from their families and describes a child's perspective on the problems of parental alcohol abuse and gambling.

“We've spent more than 20 million kip on this series. At first we planned to launch the programme on International Children's Day on June 1, but our busy schedule delayed us until today,” Mr Seng-aloun said.

The press conference was attended by Ministry of Information and Culture Head of Office Mr Khanthong Manotham and Lao National Circus Director Ms Somchit Phomsavanh, as well as actors in the programme.

Clips of three other series that will be launched on the channel revealed the actors who will star in the new programmes. Actors with more than 30 years experience will be paired with younger performers, and Lao Star Channel believes these new series will be eagerly anticipated.

The production team aims to entertain viewers and at the same time promote the policies of the government in directing social development along the right path. The series will be filmed in venues and social situations that are similar to real-life circumstances.

“The new series will give new and less experienced actors the chance to develop their talent. They will also allow us to portray government policies through the content of the series and touch on many different aspects of society,” Mr Seng-aloun said.

The series began yesterday and airs from 8-8.30am on Mondays and Tuesdays.

The Performing Arts Department has already filmed two more series on social issues for broadcast on the Lao Star Channel - Khoy Pen Khon Mai and Khid Hod Phou Doy .

The department has also signed a one-year agreement with Lao Star Channel to shoot two more titles in July. These series will reflect the devotion of the nation to activities that help to reduce poverty.

By PHOONSAB THEVONGSA