The second thing I wanted to make known was that I recently saw a film documenting the lives of a Laotian American family called "The Betrayal (Nerakhoon)". Aside from the obvious factor I really really enjoyed this film, because it helped answer alot of questions I had about my own growing up that my parents didn't want to speak of. For many people who are unfamiliar with Lao culture and the C.I.A's Secret War that took place in Laos, this film will also help you understand a part of history that is not often talked about. It is also such a great film for people who want to understand refugee culture as well as what assimilation looks like when its coupled with displacement. In addition it was shot by one of Hollywood's well-known cinematographers Ellen Kuras and co-directed by Thavi Pravasith, the film's main subject, and who also was featured in the last Lao Roots magazine with me. Below is a trailer:
To find out more about the film and where else it may be playing go to http://nerakhoon.com/