CAPITAL OF MAE LA
TYPE
Documentary, Single-channel video, 16:9, Sound, Color, 38:09 min.
YEAR
2019
PLACE
Tak, Thailand
Capital of Mae La invites viewers into the lives of over 40,000 refugees residing in Mae La, a temporary shelter along the Thailand-Myanmar border that has persisted for almost 40 years. This documentary, directed by Belle Phromchanya in collaboration with anthropologist Jiraporn Laocharoenwong, presents a nuanced exploration of the Karen refugee experience through intimate conversations with the camp's inhabitants.
The film reveals the evolving realities of life within the camp, challenging the stereotype of refugees as mere victims. It highlights personal narratives that embody resilience, community, and the struggle for identity amidst the backdrop of prolonged conflict. By documenting these stories, Capital of Mae La aims to foster a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding displacement and the urgent need for dialogue on refugee rights.
Capital of Mae La premiered at Pakhuis de Zwijger in Amsterdam and has been screened at various venues, including the Anthropology Screening Room at the University of Amsterdam and SEA Junction at Bangkok Art and Cultural Center. It was nominated for Best Short Documentary by the Bangkok Critics Assembly Awards 2019 and selected for the Society for Visual Anthropology Film and Media Festival (SVAFMF) 2020.
Capital of Mae La screenshots
Premiered at Pakhuis de Zwijger, Amsterdam, Photo by Sankrit KulmanochawongThe project was made possible with support from independent donors via the Voordekunst crowdfunding platform, Amsterdam Fund for the Arts (AFK), and the Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research (AISSR).
CREDITS
Directed by: Belle Phromchanya
Based on ethnographic work by: Jiraporn Laocharoenwong
Edited/Produced by: Twan da Silva
Music Composed by: Christoph Scherbaum
PRESS & INFO
→ Prachathai English→ Q&A : Doc Club Online Theater (in Thai)