The United Nations in Lao PDR award for Best Young Filmmaker at the second Vientianale International Film Festival was presented to 23-year old Thanavorakit Kounthawatphinyo at the awards ceremony on Sunday 15th May. The $100 prize and certificate was handed over by the UN Resident Coordinator, Mr Minh Pham, at the National Cultural Hall.

Also present at the ceremony were Mr Bounchao Phichit, the Director of Cinema, from the Ministry of Information and Culture, and the Charge d’Affaires of the German Embassy, Mr Wolfgang Joachim Thoran.

Speaking at the event, Mr Pham explained that the award for Best Young Filmmaker is particularly relevant as this year is the International Year of Youth. “Young people across the world are a major human resource for development, positive social change and technological innovation. Their contributions to community, national, regional and global development should be recognized and encouraged,” he said.

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Watch the winning film here

Photo: UNLaoPDR/Marion Le Roux