The first Arts camp in Laos

The camp thing follows me since I am in Asia, but I called a bit for it, since I organized quite a few events, Barcamps and a Filmcamp. And I always advocated to use the Camp-Concept for other industries, for example Art. Now the dream came true to have an Arts Camp in Laos. Kelly and "Defago" Air, two good old friends from Laos, organized it.



The event was hold at a software company, mainly because it was available since Air works there. There was basically one room for all the talks, although more meeting rooms were available upstairs. Beside me and Kelly there were no other western foreigners, what is a good thing. All talks  - maybe not Kelly's - were held in Lao.

Because of the language barrier I left during the break, but for me it was more important to see if and how it worked. And the camp did very well: Full house, more tan 60 people showed up, the room was overcrowded. Sessions were about Drawing Hacks, Anime and Comics, How to do digital Art, and Graffiti. The latter was a talk and a workshop later, so people had something to physically do - something I always missed at the Barcamps.

It proved again that people can organize something by their own if you just let them. The Barcamp concept says that as long as infrastructure, in particular a venue, is the secured, the rest will follow. People are eager to learn from each other it is in the human nature. Traditional education systems oppressing it by having teachers who teach instead of sharing their knowledge.

If people from a certain profession come together, everyone has something to share. That is the fundamental principle of Camps, and it works well all over the world, and in Asia as well. Organizers just have to believe in it and step back as much as they can.

Arts Camp in Laos was probably the first one in South-East Asia, and they can be proud of it. They started something, and I can only hope that the big outcome makes it easier for a bigger Arts Camp next year, with more artists joining it.

Well done guys!!

Restaurant Acqua: Blue is the new terracotta

Gerado Dereviziis is a well known figure in the Vientiane restaurant scene. For quite a while he ran the Aria resturant before deciding to sell his shares and open his own place just next door in 007 Rue Francois Nginn.

A few weeks ago Acqua opened. It is Italian fine dining at it's best. Luxurious interior, on of the best services available in Vientiane and still reasonable prices: Acqua made it to the top right from the start.

Still, there is a lack of high class dining in Vientiane. Le Silapa is on top as well with french cuisine, but that's basically it. The top hotel restaurants are far away down the list.

So let's get back to Acqua. You have an outside area where you can smoke and watch the tourists passing by, but I preferred to sit inside for two reasons: Aircondition and the ambience. The name Acqua is a clever choice: You still get it because its close to the English name, it also symbolises Italay somehow, and it is s synonym for freshness. As most italian restaurant trying to get you the terracotta touscany feeling, Gerado opted for blue and this was a wise decision.

His menu shows what he can dobest: Finest Italian dishes, from basics like spaghetti pomodoro to lobster and oysters. His pasta are all homemade, and so are the desserts, the ice cream and even the bread you get with the bread basket.

All ingredients he can not get at local markets he has to import, but for the sake of quality he doesn't want to make any compromises. 

While the dining area downstairs is spacious but doesn't make you feel lost, there are private rooms for functions upstairs available. 

A good restaurant owner spends a lot of time for details and so did Gerado. The toilets are 5-star-hotel standard, Chairs and tables are finest quality, air-condition is well temperated, powerplugs for energy hungry phones are available everywhere. 

Biggest issue in the Lao hospitaly industry is getting skilled staff. Gerado is facing this problem since he opend his first restaurant and he is certainly not alone. He did his best hiring a Vietnamese restaurant manager, and he made a good choice with her. You get a 5-star greeting when you approach the restaurant and propably the best restaurat service in town.

Having said this, there might be a hickup here and there in service, just due to unexperienced staff. Training in Laos is still a longterm project. 

Usually you don't go for a pizza to a fine dinign place, and Gerados other place Ai Capone just next  door on the left might be a good place for it, you still get the best pizza in town at Acqua.

So, if you want to go out for a special occasion and get best quality in food and service, pay a visit to Acqua. You will not find something better in Vientiane, still.

Reservations: 02028117888

Facebook: www.facebook.com/acqua.laos

New labour law in Laos makes it not much easier for foreigners

Today I just got a copy of the new Lao labour law, that was in discussion for quite a while and is now approved. While the official version is in Laos, an unofficial English version was spread in social media and by international organisations and companies.

In general it protects the rights of workers, even states the right of set working hours and sick leave days, but also has some articles about foreigners. One is that the work of foreigners is limited to 5 years in total, but there is a way to extend for managers and specialists.

Most important are the following articles:

Article 68 (Revised) Acceptance of Foreign Labor
Employers have the duty, when creating a staffing plan within a labor unit, to give priority
to Lao labor. However, if the demand for labor cannot be supplied by Lao nationals, the
employer has the right to request the use of foreign labor.
The ratio of acceptance of foreign labor within a labor unit must be as follows:

1. 1. Fifteen percent of the total number of Lao laborers within a labor unit for technica experts undertaking physical labor;

1. 2. Twenty-five percent of the total number of Lao laborers within a labor unit for technical experts undertaking mental labor.

For large projects, priority projects of the government spanning five years or under, the
use of foreign labor will be in accordance with the contract between the project owner and the government.

For foreign employees, according to professions that can be undertaken in participation
with any country, namely countries within Southeast Asia if any, they must comply with specific legislation. 

Foreign labor working in the Lao PDR will be protected and administered in accordance
with this law and other relevant regulations of the Lao PDR.

Article 69 (New) Rights and Obligations of Foreign LaborForeign workers have the following rights:

1. Legal protection according to the laws of the Lao PDR;

1. Equal performance to Lao labor when undertaking the same work at the same standard

1. of labor and under the same work conditions, including salary or wages.

Foreign labor has the following obligations:
1. Respect for the laws and customs of Laos;
2. Plans for capacity building in technical knowledge among Lao workers;
3. Pay income taxes in accordance with the law;
4. Exit the Lao PDR within fifteen days after the expiration of a working contract.

Article 70 (New) Rights and Obligations of Labor Units
In the administration of foreign labor, labor units have the following rights and
obligations:

1. Advise foreign labor in complying with the laws and customs of Laos;

1. Create an appropriate plan for capacity building and submit the plan to the Labor Administration Agency;

1. Facilitate the exit of foreign labor from the Lao PDR upon the expiration of the employment contract and return the work permit to the Labor Administration Agency 

On of the scary parts is the creation of a capacity building plan. It isn't mention what that means specifically. You will find mentions about minimum wage, numbers of holiday and sick leave, the role of unions and the Labor Fund in the law as well.

Regarding the age of workers, the law states:

Employers may accept employees under the age of eighteen years but not younger than
fourteen years; however, they are prohibited from working overtime.
When necessary, the employer may accept and use youth employees under the age of
fourteen, but not younger than twelve years, and must ensure the work is light work such as:
1. Work that will not negatively impact the body, psychology or mind;
2. Work that will not obstruct attendance of school, professional guidance or vocational
training.
The list of light work is specified separately

While quickly browsing through it it looks pretty straight forward  and I couldn't find any major loopholes for now. In general, laws are one thing in Laos and implementation and enforcement another. As a foreigner generally expect having no rights at all, and usually courts deciding against you. It is still an authoritarian communist country that doesn't have the civilised and developed justice system of western countries, although on paper it sometimes may look like.

You can download the PDF with the English version here.

The Lao version is available here.

So, Vientianale, you did it again?

When I watched the winning movies from the 1st Vientianale, I was surprised that one of them use music that was for sure not self-made. It was actually from one of the biggest film score companies, and it was used without permission. That can happen, Laos isn't the frontrunner of copyright and intellectual property. So I quietly informed the organisers that there is an issue. What I got in response was not what I was expected. They blamed me as the messenger of bad news, asked me basically to shut up and kind of accused me to do harm to such a wonderful project. Yes, the Vientianale is a wonderful project, so wonderful that I participated in 2013, and even won the second prize. (I created the score by myself, thanks to software that makes it easier these days). So I was eagerly looking for this years participants and was happy to see the winner published on Facebook. Today I watched the second winner "Lost in the shadow" by Nirankoon Singpraseuth and Khampa Phimmachack, a short movie that might be the first in Laos to use CGI in this extend. Although far from Hollywood standards, I like it how they played with it and created a reasonable story. What struck me was the score: This IS Hollywood standard. It is actually made for Hollywood: The credits mention Batman and Snowwhite (not even the composers, just the movie names). The Vientianale organisers know about the problem with music and score. And they must have heard it when they watched the movie. No way this is done in Laos. It seems, they just don't care. And this shows that they understand film making in the wrong way. A movie is not just something you film with your camera. It requires a script, actors, sound and light crew, cameraman and director, producers, etc etc. And someone who takes care of the score. There are enough open sound and music archives, where you can get music and sound for free. What signals sends it when someone who stole the music not only gets away with it but gets awarded? First of all, nobody in Laos will do any efforts to create their own score and music. They cannot compete with what is just downloaded from the internet. Sound is more important than picture, because a bad sound ruins any movie, while people forgive shaky cameras and blurry screens. I expect again complains from the organisers about my criticism, since it is more important that everyone is happy than to follow the rules and educate Lao filmmakers in international standards. Below the first and third prize:

Lao Airlines Crash in Pakse

It is the morning after the horrific news and I am still shocked. All passengers and crew members of the Lao Airlines flight from Vientiane to Pakse on October 16th died will the plane crashed in what the airline calls bad weather conditions. The teen daughter of a friend of mine was on that plane. She was on the way to Vietnam - she just had received a scholarship to study.

Lao Airlines doesn't have a bad record, and the ATR Turbo prop planes are safe and widely used in regional flights. Australian News quoted an expert who said Lao Airlines did not participate in international safety audits.

 I actually like it to fly with an ATR. The route to Pakse isn't particular difficult and the pilots are used to it. What comes into account this time was the bad weather. Tropical Storm Nari just hit Vietnam and was effecting Laos as well (but storms like this are usual as well).

Again, it isn't per se a reason to postpone all flights. But Lao Airlines cancels actually a lot of flights frequently, for several reasons. Weather is one, in particular in the south. Mining people can tell you how many times they have to use the bus because the flight were cancelled. So the question will remain, why this flight was considered safe.

The competence about flying in Laos declines within the hierarchy. That means pilots, crew and ground staff are the most competent workers, while the top management both within the airline, but also within the ministry of transportation, doesn't have a lot of skills when it comes to flying. A friend with a pilot licence once told me there isn't one person with a flying licence working in the ministry.

It is actually a miracle that Laos has just a clean record, and everyone was actually wondering why there were not accidents. Maybe because of the experienced pilots, maybe because of the limited numbers of flights. The frequency is increasing, and this increases the risk of an accident.

I hope that Laos will follow international regulations regarding the investigation of the crash. Pictures showed that the scene was kind of secured with ropes, but I wouldn't be surprised when the hundreds of spectators took debris and/or valuables they found. There is always something to learn from a crash, and thats why a proper investigation is so important. Not to blame someone in the first place, but to know why. That is also important to know for the families of those who lost their lifes.

There are some rather disturbing news that Lao authorities want to cremate all bodies before the buddhist lent ceremonies start on the weekend. I wonder how foreign families will react to this - but maybe foreigners are excluded.


My thoughts are with the families who lost there loved ones.

A Science Show on radio in Laos!

Science isn't something that comes into ones mind when thinking about Laos. The countrys number of patents is very low - close to zero - and universities focus more on communist ideas and Lao culture than providing knowledge. The Lao education system isn't encouraging young people to be curious - it's more a shut up and write down what I just told you policy.

But this is going to change. One man seems to have enough of the lack of science news and just took things in his own hands. Virasak Viravong is a IT teacher, who is also quite interested in science himself.
So a few months ago he decided to just set up a facebook page and start posting science news. "I think Science it's very hard for general people to understanding but it's very interesting and fun. so I try to share about info that i read, listen, watch... to Laos people by created a Facebook Page name "ວິທະຍາສາດ" (facebook.com/laosci) for write a short article about Science (short, easy to read and easy to understand)", he told me via Facebook message.

 The success is already there. "I started my facebook page on 14 feb 2013 to now I've 2,800 people like the page", he counts. But it goes even further: "In July Vientiane radio Fm98.8MHz (Butterfly Radio) staff saw my page and contracted me for bring science to a radio program name "Science Talk" with the slogan "science is not something distant".

 "Science Talk" is on air every Mon-Sat, starts from 9pm to 10pm at FM98.8MHz (Vientiane Radio) with various topics such as healthy, biology, physic, Astronomy, technology, scientist biography, etc. For me this is just an amazing thing to see. I always believed (and still do) that people should take education and sharing of knowledge into their own hands. Virasak (nickname Mee) is also part of the Barcamp organizers team, and maybe it was there when he saw that you don't need superiors or much of an institution to share knowledge.

 Of course I asked him if the program is already available as podcast, but he told be the radio station doesn't even record it. But he may think about doing it himself.

3 reasons why it is difficult to sell Laos in tourism

Lao - NZ movie looking for initial funding

Sometimes you support friends even if you still have questions left. But I believe in the talent of Anysay Keola and the power of Vannaphone Sitthirath so please support this project!!! Heart People is an exciting international collaboration between a collective of filmmakers from New Zealand and Laos PDR. They aim to produce a heartfelt and dramatic story of the human spirit - set in the dangerous underworld of illegal logging and mining in the picturesque provence of Xiengkhouang, Laos.

We share a love of filmmaking and are joining forces to create something special and unique. We are looking at getting this project up and running in two stages. Stage 1: research and development of the story Stage 2: Sourcing production and post production funding. We are being realistic about this process and certainly won't be looking to Boosted to fund the production of this film. We are turning to Boosted for stage 1 only.

Twitter: @heartpeoplefilm Facebook: www.facebook.com/heartpeoplefilm Crowdfunding site: http://www.boosted.org.nz/projects/heart-people

Another goodbye, this time from the Animal Rescue Center

When we moved to Bangkok, I was quite sad to leave the Animal Rescue Center behind. Although I wasn't legally in charge and just doing some PR work, I was emotionally involved. It was always a dream to support, or even run a center like this. So I was quite happy that Trevor Freeman told me he wants to open one. It took a while to find a suitable place, and even longer to set up at least basic infrastructure there. When I left Laos, it was just good enough to take in emergency cases (it has changed over time, facilities are much better). But there was always some disagreement about priorities. While I was insisting it is a rescue center, the owners were focussing on the commercial part, the dog hotel. It made some sense, since donations were really low, and the dog hotel brought some income. Also, I didn't like the way the hotel dogs were kept, most of the time on a leash or in a small cage, and adressed this before we left Laos. It seems now that the Rescue part totally failed. There are some kittens, but thats it. The focus is now on not only the hotel, but also breeding, something I never wanted (the first puppies I was told were an accident. Now I know it was intentional). I don't think that money went into the wrong channels. As you can see at the center, a lot of work was done. Also, Foxy, the small dog who didn't make it and the kittens needed medical care, that doesn't come for free. But, I never had an insight to the accounting books. Beside the "you can see whenever you want" no other action was taken to actually show me the numbers. Still, I believe that the donations were used for the center (I know it at least for the time when I was still there). But I think the focus shifted from a rescue center to a business (what it is formally, a company, but that was done to set it up quickly and not having some greedy officials sitting next to you). Recent developments and the way they were handled by the owner and manager of the center raised concerns. Doubts came about integrity, but also about my role. It doesn't make sense to be involved in something when you only have to execute. So I decided to leave this project. It is up to you, dear reader, to support the center or not. But before you do it, go there, have a look by yourself, and ask what the money is specifically used for. Just to get a better picture. Or insist on the use of the money. Laos doesn't have a center like this, and it needs one. The US Embassy support the WWF Wildlife Center with 50.000 USD, while the LARC never got a single dollar from them. Dogs are left to die when they are sick in Laos, and that should not be the case. Also, we just had not enough money to start educational programs. I know that Paws4thoughts are working on that, and wish them Good Luck with it.

Laos Best Tourism Destination awarded: Who is behind it?

It went all over the news in Laos, and even neighboring countries. Laos awarded as best Tourist Destination in 2013. The awards was handed over by the "European Union Council on Tourism and Trade". That sounds quite impressive. But in case you think that has anything to do with the European Union, you are wrong. The EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE( ECTT )is, according to its website, "a non-profit making organization with its headquarters in Bucharest . Its members are from 27 European Union Tourism Organizations , whose role is to market and promote tourism and investment opportunities outside the European Union in general, and to individual countries in particular." Sounds still good, but the next paragraph makes the real goal a bit more clear: "This is ECTT's corporate website, which is aimed at industry, government and educational personnel interested in obtaining tourists from European Union to their countries." A screenshot shows that the Visit Laos Logos are well placed on the websites right sidebar. If you scroll a bit further down, you will see the winner of 2012, Trinidad and Tobago. The council resides in Bucharest, not really the melting pot of the tourism industry in Europe, and not really the best place for lobbyists. Asking who is behind this, it is a bit difficult to get answers.

"WHO ARE THE MEMBERS ? The European Tourist Organizations insuring the outgoing of national tourism on non European Union destinations . They elect a President, two Vice-Presidents as members of Board of Directors for revolving six years terms."

Let's get some names: Vice-President for Marketing & PR Technology Task Force: Nicoale Nicolae Mr. Nicolae Nicolae was Vice president of UGIR 1903 (General Confederation of Romanian Industrialists), a national multi-sector organization that represents businesses of all sizes and more than 16% of Romania’s employment base. Mr. Nicolae was or still is also the owner of a commercial printing company. Other names are Dr. Mircea Constantinescu, Senator Ionel Agrigoroaiei, Prof. Dr. Anton Caragea, at least in 2012 Director of Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation in Bucharest. All of these names are Romaina, and all of them work for some Romanian companies, institutes or organisations. In September 2011 the same Prof. Dr Anton Garagea, also President of the European Council on International Relations, opened a military trade show which appears to have been organized by the ECIR. A better idea of who is who gives the European Tourism Academy, also fully staffed with Romanians. One would wonder since when Romania has become the place to go for tourism training. Trinidad Express wrote an interesting article about the way Trinidad got awarded last year.

However, Prof Anton Caragea, president of the Bucharest, Romania- based organisation, said that the Minister had approached the organisation in April to find out more about the award. Speaking to reporters at the same event, he said, "The Minister of Tourism asked us—I think it was in April—how can Trinidad and Tobago obtain this award for next year? We gave them the guidelines and started the selection process. When this was completed, only three countries remained: Cuba, Nigeria and T&T.

The only problem is that the Tourism Minister Rupert Griffith recalls the story a bit different:

"We did not woo them—this did not cost us a penny. They informed us that they were doing a study of Trinidad and Tobago in terms of its tourism, culture and environment to relate to people around the world. They got copies of our tourism policy documents and plans...

To make it a point: This award is not known in the tourism industry. The ECTT is not affiliated with any part of the European Unions Institutions. It is questionable where the money is coming from, and in Trinidad rumours spread fast that despite a deny from ECTT money was given to receive the reward. ECTT says on its website:

ECTT is entirely financed by members contributions and with additional financial support for specific campaigns is raised overseas. Long-standing foreign industry support for ECTT activities is proof of its credibility and stability in the field of tourism .

But it doesn't name any of the donors of contributors. It is quite common that for awards like this that a kind of fee is paid, either for travel expenses to hand over the awards (totally overpriced of course), or some operational and administration costs. The whole story reminds me of the New 7 Wonders awards. GooSeeWrite has a nice summery of this. It looks like the Lao government just fell for the ECTT, mainly because of their desperate need to get good news, and unfortunately many media organisations got fooled as well. I understand that Lao people are proud of any news about their country, but sometimes it is quite embarrassing. And I also understand that me, the messenger, will blamed by some for the bad news.

Laos Travel Video - Finally Found Love, Finally Found Laos

For those who missed it: Finally, there is a professional tourism video about Laos available. Made by Ideasquest for their client ispot Travel information Center, it is in the tradition of the Incredible India campaign, follows a couple through their different experiences in Laos. Well produced, well written, and I kinda like the claim "Finally found love, finally found Laos".

One more thing...

Just a few days after I arrived in Bangkok, good news came from Laos. The best Lao movie ever, At The Horizon, is now available online. The uncensored version costs 9 USD, and don't even think about complaining. This movie was done by volunteers, the few dollars they had were sound for some food for the actors and to rent equipment. And yes, YOU expat in Vientiane, it is time to prove that supporting the Lao art is more than attending some fancy exhibition or the after show party in Luang Prabang. 9 Dollar is nothing for the expats in Laos (including the teachers), but it is a big motivation for the film makers. So, CLICK AND BUY!

Time to say "Good Bye Laos"

When I came to Laos I had no idea about my future home. Although I was here as a tourist about 13 years ago, I lost most memories beside Luang Prabang and Phonesavanh. But since it was the 4th country to live, I wasn't expecting anything. My basic rules to survives as an expat: Don't expect anything, be open and don't look back. Settling down was kind of easy, I started learning Lao by book first, then with my teacher Noot (I was actually her first student): She took me to an acceptable level of Lao - but I was caught by the plateau problem, what means you stay on a certain and mostly low level. Anyway, it was enough to start communications with my Lao neighbours. I cannot thank my puan ban enough: Metu Champa, Kiao, San, Khuan, Joy, Noy, Ung, Jee and Mai are wonderful and kind people. Without them, life wouldn't have been as good as it was here. As a member of the Barcamp movement, I was lucky enough to had John Berns here for his visa run a month after I moved to Laos. He suggested to schedule a Barcamp meeting - three days later we had already an organisation committee. At this event I met my friend Nin, at this time still more into IT than film making, but that changed a lot. He is one of the people I admire the most and I am proud and honoured that he worked with me on my award winning short movie "Forever". I also got in contact with Day, Os, Air, Thip and Manichanh - still people I call friends in Laos. I turned a bit from IT to film, mainly to just try to organize a film camp - and it was successful. It was just once, but my mission is to plant the seed, and maybe water it a bit. This years Barcamp 2013 is organised solely by the Lao team - time to move on. The film camp got me in touch with the film community, and I was pleased to meet people like Anysay Keola, Thon, Thou, Kino, Ding, Hans, Chris and Mattie as well as Bounchao, the director of the Cinema Department and Gabriel Kuperman, Director of the Luang Prabang Film Festival. To fulfil my parents wish I studied economy after I finished my civil service, and although I changed to history and politics later, economy is always a topic of interest for me. I attended the Webwednesdays in Saigon a lot, a gathering for the internet marketing community. Since Vientiane was lacking of informal events like that, I started the Laos Business Meeting. It lasted at least 6 month, but then less participants were attending and I decided to stop it. I still think Vientiane needs it, maybe it was too early for me. So, what will I take with me and what will I leave behind in Laos? I take some language skills I can use in Thailand, a big plus. Also, cultural differences are not that big, Laos prepares me quite good for the move. I have good memories and experiences. I also got insights to the life of average Lao people in the city - something many foreigners rarely get. And I got even more convinced that the international aid business is just a business, but not designed to make a significant change. Laos, as most developing countries, is in this situation because of the way it's ruled. This system proved to be wrong in most countries in the world, and the opening in Vietnam, China and Laos to markets shows I am right. Also, as long as eduction, and it's core, the curriculum, isn't changed radically, Laos will remain a developing country. Teachers need to change their rules and behaviour, and students need to understand how important learning is (not the certificate). Finally, I learned a lot about the so called Lao culture. While it is important for any society to preserve it's heritage, culture is used quite often as an excuse for avoiding change. Unfortunately this is supported by a lot of NGOs as well. Arts never really developed, creativity isn't known here and so is invention. Laos has very few patents, and science is still in it's infancy. Laos doesn't need more farmers nor MBAs, it needs people with skills, with passion and commitment. My advice to the 20 somethings in Laos: Quit school or college, learn and PRACTISE English and/or Chinese, travel around Asia and get experience in foreign companies. I will be just an hour by flight away from Laos, so I am pretty sure I will come back from time to time (and if it is only for the food I like so much). But I am looking forward to Bangkok, to be in a much more developed environment. I don't blame Lao people for the status of the country, but personally, there are not many (intellectual) challenges for me. Since I want to do more in the film business, I think Thailand has more to offer. Laos has become a home country for a certain type of falang we know from Pattaya and the Isaan and we tried to avoid. There is a certain risk that you start lower your standards, sometimes just because you have to (just say: Mahosot). It is also still a playground for too many NGOs (and foreign aid agencies) who want to make change, but only in small projects. As long as you work close with those who are causing the problem, you can't solve it. Last but not least, the decision to move is based on the promotion of my wife Nataly. She got a new job at Diethelm Travel in the head office in Bangkok. So we will leave Laos for good, but with no regrets. Khop Chai Lai Lai, and Sok Dee Lao. Below a video of Anouxay and Sukhan playing Lao and Western guitar. Sukhan was our guard, but he and his family became good friends. I will miss them a lot.

Barcamp Vientiane 2013

Some impression from this years Barcamp.

BarCamp is an international network of user-generated conferences (or better unconferences). They are open, participatory workshop-events, whose content is provided by participants. The first BarCamps focused on early-stage web applications, and were related to open source technologies, social protocols, and open data formats. The format has also been used for a variety of other topics. In Asia, you will find also topics about culture.

Venues typically provide basic services. Free network access, usually WiFi, is crucial. In Vientiane  provided free food and drinking water.

Attendance is monetarily free and restricted only by space constraints. Participants encouraged to sign up in advance.

Trailer Handful Of Love

The trailer for a new short movie I made, in post-production now.

Barcamp Vientiane coming - gathering of tech experts, nerds and geeks

There was a break, mainly because of some international conferences in Vientiane, but the Barcamp Vientiane is back. It will be held on March 23rd at the National University of Laos, Campus Sokpaluang, Department of Science and Technology ('opposute Korean Embassy, just follow the signs). A Barcamp is a gathering of people interested in technology. You don't need to be a programmer or developer, but you need to be interested (or even passionate) about technology. There is no pre-agenda, a barcamp organize itself. So if there is a topic you want to talk about, just show up in the morning, grab a pen and write down your topic on the time table. Registration is open already, and its free! For some more information (maps etc) go the the website http://barcampvientiane.org/ and/or watch this video

Lao Fashion Show

Fashion designer NITHAYA SOMSANITH showed his collection he designed with students from the French school in Vientiane.

Vientianale 2013 is over and I won the 2nd prize

That was quite a surprise: My short movie "Forever" won the 2nd prize in the Vientianale Short Film contest 2013 (thanks to the organisers  a great festival!). Below is the video. But first I want to write about about the movie.

I had the idea of that movie a while ago when I learned about a novice committed suicide in our temple.  Although it was even in the newspaper, I thought suicide is still something people in Laos don't want to talk about. (For example my neighbours didn't tell me because they thought it's bad luck to even talk about).

So the theme of the movie was given - a suicide. I was first thinking about a documentary about this novice, but wasn't sure if this would fit in a short movie. So I decided to just use the case as a starting point.

In three years I collected a lot of stories here from young people struggling - with their work, parents, partners etc. Some of these stories are part of the movie. I actually don't know a girl that committed suicide in Laos, but do have friends in Germany who did so.  I think it is a universal topic, but it's important to talk about. So I wrote a script about an average girl with kind of average problems she just can't handle. I know that many suicides have a trigger, in my movie it's the grandmas dad.

I want to show that most young people committing suicide have the same problems like you and me - so it's not something special and not worth throwing away your life.

The movie wouldn't have happend without the help of some extraordinary people. First of all my friend Nin  aka Thanavorakit Kounthawatphinyo, the most talented filmmaker in Laos, who did the cinematography and editing for the movie as well as the sound recording for the voice over. And giving me a lot much needed and appreciated advice.

Naphaphone Manoy Phalivong was assisting me in the production, translated the script and put me in touch with Phak, the main actress. She also did the voiceover and gave the movie the film the final touch. Great job!

Phaknapha PHOSITHATH turnded out to be a natural talent as actress (it was her first movie ever) and she helped me also a lot with casting.

A huge Thank you and Khop Chai Lai Lai goes to my neighbours and Lao friends, who took part in the movie. They are listed below.

Soukan Keobuaban ( Father )

Vanphew Thanmainxay( Mother )

Phetkesone SAENGTAHEUANGHOUNG ( little girl)

Anouxa PHOSITHATH ( Investor )

Anousay Keobouaban (Boyfriend)

Suaphaphone Thepbundith (Teacher)

Vilaysone Keobouabane (Student)

Sonelani Sidavong (Student)

Toupor Yangleuxay (Student)

Phiathep (Student)

Champa Meuanphachanh (Grandmother)

Sataphone Sibounheuang was sweating a lot as camera assistant and did a great job as well. Noy was very helpful in providing us her house as a location, her dog Betty as a cast member (and cold drinks).

And finally I have to thank you my wife Nataly, who gave me the time and support to make this short movie. 

The 7 minutes limit was given by the organizers, so I wrote the script accordingly. 

And now, enjoy the movie:

The Winner film is now online: Teddy Jay

And finally "Bad Dream", the 3rd prize

Lao diplomats are fast - at least in cars

This is the story of the year: BOC asks Laos Embassy to justify importation of 3 exotic sports cars .
It seems that the Lao Embassy in the Philippines tried to import a Ferrari Spider and 2 (!)  Lamborghini Aventadors, claiming these are diplomat cars. Or better not claiming anymore. Because, regarding to the newspapers report "Since they arrived on Nov. 28, nobody has come forward to claim the cars after BOC agents questioned why diplomats would buy fast cars as their service vehicles."

Ferrari f430 Spider by Axion23, on Flickr

Just in case you are wondering where all the money goes that is so much needed in Laos and its rural areas - its needed to put diplomats on the fast track...

Vientianale opened yesterday

It is THE event to go for all film enthusiast and - makers: The 3rd Vientianale opened yesterday at the National Circus. Opening movie was the Lao art media production "Chantaly", with a late screening and premiere of Bang Soun by my friend Nin as the closing.
Until Saturday you can watch movies for free during the day at the Department of Cinema (near PVO Vietnamese Food restaurant) and in the evening at the National Circus.

Saturday from 5pm on will be the most important event: The screening of the short movies from this years contest. I too part in it with "Forever", a short film about a Lao girl struggling with her life and making the wrong decision.

Award ceremony will be at 9pm.