Open-Air Cinema: A Cultural Bridge Between China and laos
In the heart of wampuka County, nestled among the mountains of northern Laos, a unique cultural event is bringing joy and connection to rural communities. The “Open-Air Cinema – Excellent Movies from China and Laos Tour” has become a beacon of cultural exchange, screening 20 outstanding Chinese films and hosting over 100 performances across Laos.
The event, which began in Nantha City, the capital of Nanthap Province, has traveled to remote areas like Wampuka County, where villagers eagerly gather to watch films under the stars. “I watched a Chinese movie two years ago. Today I heard that the screening team was coming, so I came with a dozen friends,” said Kansai, a young boy who couldn’t hide his excitement.
As the sun set, adults who had finished their farm work joined the children, spreading mats on the grass and waiting for the screening to begin. The first film, “The Young Lion,” an animated feature dubbed into Lao, captivated the audience. The story of a Lingnan boy pursuing his dream of lion dance resonated deeply, blending China’s traditional culture with regional southern flavors. Applause echoed through the night as the film unfolded.
“I admire the hero’s hard-working spirit,” one child shared after the screening.Another added, “I want to go to China and see the high-rise buildings in the movie.” These heartfelt reactions highlight the event’s success in fostering cultural understanding.
The Open-Air Cinema initiative aims to deepen cultural exchanges between China and Laos,promoting mutual learning and friendship. “The Laotian dubbing of the film is very authentic and easy to understand, and we can easily relate to it when watching it,” said Somwang, deputy head of Wampuka County, who watched the movie alongside villagers.
Somphon, a staff member of the Lao Film Bureau, has been instrumental in bringing these screenings to rural areas for six consecutive years. “People in mountain villages in Laos rarely have the prospect to watch movies. The open-air cinema not only brings them joy but also helps them understand the outside world,” he explained.
Beyond rural areas, the event has established screening sites in provinces like Champasak, Luang Prabang, and Huaphan. China has also donated digital film projection equipment and trained local projectionists, ensuring that more Laotians can enjoy these cinematic experiences.
Vangxi, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism of Laos, emphasized the event’s significance: “The event has built a bridge that promotes mutual understanding and heart-to-heart communication between the two peoples. it has opened a window for the Lao people to understand China and the world.”
Key Highlights of the Open-Air Cinema Event
Table of Contents
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Films Screened | 20 outstanding Chinese films |
| Performances | Over 100 screenings across Laos |
| Locations | Rural areas like Wampuka County, and provinces including Champasak and Luang Prabang |
| Cultural Impact | Deepens mutual understanding and friendship between China and laos |
| Equipment Donation | Digital film projection equipment provided by China |
| training | Local projectionists trained to ensure sustainability |
the Open-Air cinema event is more than just a series of film screenings—it’s a celebration of shared humanity and cultural connection. By bringing stories to life under the open sky, it bridges gaps, fosters understanding, and opens windows to new worlds for the people of Laos.
(This article is based on reporting from Namtha, Laos.)
Open-Air Cinema: Bridging cultures Between China and Laos
In the heart of Wampuka County, nestled among the mountains of northern Laos, a unique cultural event is bringing joy and connection to rural communities. The “Open-Air Cinema – Excellent Movies from China and Laos tour” has become a beacon of cultural exchange, screening 20 outstanding Chinese films and hosting over 100 performances across Laos. This initiative not only entertains but also fosters mutual understanding and friendship between the two nations. In this interview, we speak with Dr. Lin Mei, a cultural anthropologist and expert on china-Laos relations, to delve deeper into the significance of this remarkable event.
The Origins and Goals of the Open-Air Cinema Initiative
Senior Editor: Dr.Mei, can you tell us about the origins of the Open-Air Cinema initiative and its primary goals?
Dr. Lin Mei: Certainly. The Open-Air cinema initiative was launched as part of a broader effort to strengthen cultural ties between China and Laos. It began in Nantha City, the capital of Nanthap Province, and has since expanded to remote areas like Wampuka County. The primary goal is to promote cultural exchange by showcasing Chinese films dubbed in Lao, making them accessible and relatable to local audiences. This initiative also aims to provide entertainment and educational opportunities to rural communities that rarely have access to such experiences.
Impact on rural Communities
Senior Editor: How has this initiative impacted rural communities in Laos, notably in areas like Wampuka County?
Dr. lin Mei: the impact has been profound.In rural areas, access to cinema is extremely limited, so the Open-Air Cinema brings a sense of excitement and community. Villagers, both young and old, gather under the stars to watch films, creating a shared experience that fosters social bonds. For many, this is their first exposure to Chinese culture, and the films often spark curiosity and admiration. As a notable example, after watching ”The Young Lion,” a young boy expressed his desire to visit China and see the high-rise buildings featured in the movie. This kind of cultural curiosity is invaluable for fostering mutual understanding.
Cultural Exchange and Mutual Understanding
Senior Editor: How does the Open-Air Cinema contribute to cultural exchange and mutual understanding between China and Laos?
Dr. Lin Mei: The films selected for the screenings are carefully chosen to reflect Chinese culture, traditions, and modern life. By dubbing these films in Lao, the initiative ensures that the content is accessible and relatable to local audiences. This not only entertains but also educates, offering Laotians a window into Chinese society. At the same time, the event creates opportunities for dialogue and interaction between Chinese and Laotian organizers, further strengthening bilateral ties. As Vangxi, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism of Laos, noted, the event has built a bridge that promotes heart-to-heart interaction between the two peoples.
Sustainability and Future Plans
Senior Editor: What steps have been taken to ensure the sustainability of this initiative, and what are the plans for the future?
Dr.Lin Mei: Sustainability is a key focus. China has donated digital film projection equipment and trained local projectionists, ensuring that the initiative can continue independently in the future. Additionally, the event has expanded to provinces like Champasak, Luang Prabang, and Huaphan, reaching a wider audience.Looking ahead, there are plans to include more films and possibly even co-productions between China and laos, further enriching the cultural exchange. The ultimate goal is to make this a long-term,self-sustaining program that continues to bring joy and understanding to communities across Laos.
Personal Reflections and Memorable Moments
senior Editor: Do you have any personal reflections or memorable moments from your involvement with this initiative?
Dr.Lin Mei: One of the most memorable moments for me was witnessing the sheer joy on the faces of children in Wampuka County as they watched “The Young Lion.” Their excitement and curiosity were palpable, and it reminded me of the power of storytelling to transcend cultural barriers. Another highlight was hearing Somphon, a staff member of the Lao Film Bureau, speak about how the initiative has opened windows to the outside world for people in mountain villages. These moments underscore the transformative potential of cultural exchange and the importance of initiatives like the Open-Air Cinema.
Conclusion
Senior Editor: what message would you like to convey to our readers about the significance of the Open-Air Cinema initiative?
Dr. lin Mei: the Open-Air Cinema is more than just a series of film screenings—it’s a celebration of shared humanity and cultural connection. By bringing stories to life under the open sky, it bridges gaps, fosters understanding, and opens windows to new worlds for the people of Laos. I hope this initiative inspires others to explore the power of cultural exchange and the ways in which it can bring people closer together, even across vast distances.
