The Betrayal (Nerakhoon)
Ellen Kuras and Thavisouk Phrasavath's debut film, The Betrayal (Nerakhoon), tells the story of a family's epic journey from war-torn Laos to the mean streets of New York. Filmed over the course of 23 years, The Betrayal movingly chronicles the family's struggle to reckon with that which was left behind while forging a new and difficult life in a foreign land. Phrasavath gives a first-hand account of his own boyhood survival of war, his later escape from persecution and arrest in Laos, his miraculous reunion with his family and their journey to America, and the second war they had to fight on the streets of New York City. Phrasavath's mother also gives powerful testimony of her unflagging efforts to single-handedly raise and shepherd a family of ten amidst almost constant danger.
In The Betrayal (Nerakhoon), Kuras and Phrasavath have created a lyrical film that fluidly incorporates archival footage, cinema vérité, interview material and visually poetic montages. The result is a story of what it means to be in exile, of the far-reaching consequences of war and of the resilient bonds of family. Phrasavath's unforgettable journey reminds us of the strength necessary to survive unthinkable conditions, and of the human spirit's inspiring capacity to adapt, rebuild and forgive.
Trailer
Credits
Director/Producer/Cinematographer/Writer: Ellen Kuras
Co-Director/Editor/Writer: Thavisouk Phrasavath
Producer: Flora Fernandez-Marengo
Executive Producer: Cara Mertes
Composer: Howard Shore
Running Time: 96 min.
Website: www.myspace.com/thebetrayalmovie
Article: Straight Outta Laos: 'The Betrayal' ('Nerakhoon') Chronicles the Journey of Political Refugees
Filmmaker Q&A: Meet the Academy Award® Nominees: Ellen Kuras--'The Betrayal (Nerakhoon)', by Thomas White
About the Filmmakers
An unprecedented three-time recipient of the Sundance Film Festival's Best Dramatic Cinematography Award, ELLEN KURAS has worked with such acclaimed filmmakers as Tom Kalin (Swoon), Spike Lee (4 Little Girls, Summer of Sam, Bamboozled), Rebecca Miller (Personal Velocity), Mary Harron (I Shot Andy Warhol), Nancy Savoca (If These Walls Could Talk), Jonathan Demme (Heart of Gold), and Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind). She has also earned the Eastman Kodak Best Cinematography Focus Award for Ellen Bruno's Samsara, an Emmy Award for her work on A Century of Women, and an Emmy Award nomination for Spike Lee's 4 Little Girls.
The Betrayal (Nerakhoon) is Kuras' directorial debut.
Active within the Laotian-American community in the US and Canada, THAVISOUK PHRASAVATH is a creative consultant for developing Lao TV and other media.
During his early years in Brooklyn, he served as the primary liaison/translator for Laotians living in New York City and surrounding areas. His background in community work includes assisting gang prevention for youth and family crisis intervention and working with the police department as a liaison and interpreter for the Lao community in addressing domestic and gang-related issues. Formerly an Area Policy Board Member, Thavisouk has consulted for the New York City Board of Education. Thavisouk's film work extends into writing, editing, directing and shooting; he has also directed and edited music videos for independent artists, is a published poet and has won awards for his painting and illustration work. Thavisouk graduated with honors from Pratt Institute with a degree in electrical engineering. The Betrayal (Nerakhoon) is his first film as both subject and filmmaker.