Documentary 'The Betrayal' Now Playing in NYC

Sylvie Kim
November 18, 2008

From the IFC synopsis:

Spanning more than 20 years, "The Betrayal" is a remarkable collaboration between Ellen Kuras — famed cinematographer for such directors as Martin Scorsese, Spike Lee and Michel Gondry — and Laotian-American activist Thavisouk Phrasavath. During the Vietnam War, the US conducted a massive, clandestine bombing campaign in neighboring Laos, tacitly supported by the country's own government. When it fell, the new Communist regime sought vengeance. Families were torn apart, and thousands fled for their lives, among them the Phrasavaths. This is the epic, true story of their struggle and survival.

I'm very intrigued by the partnership of Kuras and Phrasavath; I've always loved Kuras' cinematography (particularly her work with Lee, Gondry, and Rebecca Miller) and I think she can deftly capture the heartbreaking beauty that Phrasavath presents in his life story.

This blog entry is graciously sponsored by Toyota Matrix. Check out their website dedicated to the best in Asian American film.

Toyota Matrix

Categories: 
Film
Contributor: 

Sylvie Kim

contributing editor & blogger

Sylvie Kim is a contributing editor at Hyphen. She previously served as Hyphen's blog coeditor with erin Khue Ninh, film editor, and blog columnist.

She writes about gender, race, class and privilege in pop culture and media (fun fun fun!) at www.sylvie-kim.com and at SF Weekly's The Exhibitionist blog. Her work has also appeared on Racialicious and Salon.

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Comments

Comments

Gina wrote on Thu, 11/20/2008 - 1:34pm
I just read that The Betrayal has been named to the Academy's shortlist for the Best Documentary Oscar. I can't wait to see it!http://www.oscars.org/press/pressreleases/2008/08.11.17a.html
sarah wrote on Mon, 12/01/2008 - 8:57am
The Betrayal is amazing. To see more clips from the film and a video interview with both Ellen Kuras and Thavisouk Phrasavath, check out FLYP (http://www.flypmedia.com/issues/18/#12/1)