On Safer Ground

A beautiful and touching documentary from Directors Stuart Ryan and Hedley Dindoyal.  It follows a young team of football playing teenagers as they traveled from Laos to compete at the Gothia Youth World Cup 2010 in Sweden. Among others, it also profiles Manophet, Gareth Carter and the non-profit organization in Phonsavan, Laos, called Lone Buffalo.

This film documents their journey on and off the pitch as they win over hearts and minds and also how they deal with being the first Lao football team ever to compete outside of Asia.

It's a movie that's filled with love and support, high hopes, fun, success, along with a poignant and sad tragedy that hits the team.  Watch the trailer (English with Lao subtitles).

Lao Word of the Day: A Challenge

Laos' Prepares for Emerging Disease Outbreaks

Video Credit:  Channel NewsAsia, March 8 2015.

The Game Plan - Laos' Judo Hope

Lao sports profile on athlete Souphaxay Sitthisane who completes in judo.

Video Credit:  Channel NewsAsia

The Game Plan - Laos' Taekwondo Hope

Lao sports profile on athlete Sonexay Mangkei who completes in taekwondo.

Video Credit:  Channel NewsAsia

Book Review: Eternal Harvest - The Legacy of American Bombs in Laos

Title:  Eternal Harvest - The Legacy of American Bombs in Laos
by:  Karen J. Coates
Photos by:  Jerry Redfern
Publisher/Year:  ThingsAsian Press, 2013
ISBN:  9781934159491
Price:  $12.95USD

This book is a wonderful tribute to those who have been affected by bombs and the remaining unexploded ordinance (UXO) in Laos.  It provides background info on how the situation came to be and how it continues to be.  I also like that it provides historical context, the profiles of everyday people who are affected, and a plethora of evocative and visceral black and white photos throughout.

Random Awesome Image: Vat Ong Teu Candlelit Procession

Long exposure of a low lit scene at Vat Ong Teu, Vientiane, 

during the candlelit procession around the temple.

Photo Credit:  Phoonsab Thevongsa