11.20.2008

ellen kuras and thavisouk phrasavath's the betrayal


If you're in New York, you might want to check out The Betrayal, which opens this Friday, November 21 at the IFC Center. The film, directed by acclaimed cinematographer Ellen Kuras, and co-directed by Thavisouk Phrasavath, is about the struggles of a Laotian family as they flee their country and immigrate to the United States.

Shot over a 25-year period, and incorporating archival footage, cinema verite, interview material and poetic montages, it follows the family's narrow escape from Laos, their experience as refugees in New York City, and their heartbreaking wait for the return of their father.

I haven't seen the film, but I've read some pretty impressive things about it. It was recently announced as one of the films making the Academy Award documentary short list, from which the five best documentary Oscar nominees will ultimately be chosen. To learn more about The Betrayal, go to the film's website here, and the IFC Center website here.

angry archive