The Guardian of Stories

Director:

Claudia Bellasi, Markus Steiner Ender

Genre:

Documentary​

Country/Region of production:

Laos

Synopsis:

Siphai Thammavong makes a living running a grocery store in Laos, but holds another unique identity – that of a traditional storyteller. Often after his daily work, Siphai performs at local theaters, narrating ancient Lao legends to tourists. When news reaches him of an elderly storyteller's passing, he senses an impending crisis in passing down this cultural tradition. Determined to act, he journeys to remote villages, meticulously recording with pen and paper the stories preserved by fellow storytellers.

This documentary masterfully weaves captivating ancient tales into Siphai's quest, transporting viewers into the mystical realms of Lao folklore. Against the backdrop of the digital era – where the visual spectacle of modern media starkly contrasts with the oral tradition's quiet decline – the film chronicles a race against time, capturing precious cultural memories teetering on the edge of oblivion.

Why we recommend it:

The director cleverly uses two parallel storylines. One follows Siphai's real journey through villages tracking down storytellers, filmed with handheld-style shots for an authentic documentary feel. The other visually recreates the ancient legends told by these storytellers, using shifting light and shadow, along with traditional music to build a mythical world.

This creates a fascinating dialogue between the present and the ancient past. Interestingly, the director avoids portraying Siphai as a typical hero. The camera shows his uncertainties when questioned by villagers, his mistakes while recording, and his struggles with local dialects. This "imperfect" approach deconstructs romanticized storytelling and offers an honest portrayal of the challenges involved in saving a fading tradition.

But the film redefines documentary ethics with a powerful perspective: the camera isn't just a recording device – it becomes an active tool in helping to preserve a civilization. At a time when the digital age threatens to erase local cultures, this film offers more than sadness – it shows a way to act. Before these traditions vanish forever, filmmaking itself can become "The Guardian of Stories," saving the essential spirit of a culture.

(This recommendation was written by Chinese director Wang Lina for CGTN's Picks. Her acclaimed film "A First Farewell" has won the Grand Prix of the Generation Kplus section at the 69th Berlin International Film Festival, the Best Asian Future Film Award at the 31st Tokyo International Film Festival, and the Golden Coconut Award for Best Director at the 2nd Hainan Island International Film Festival.)