The Betrayal

Written and Directed by Ellen Kuras and Thavi Phrasavath
Cinematography by Ellen Kuras

A couple of Guild members were able to view the documentary The Betrayal, by Ellen Kuras. Amazingly, the making of this movie spans 23 years as the life of a Laotian refugee family evolves. Their story is one of betrayal by the American government, and then further betrayals within the family itself. But the cinematography and direction, by the very talented Kuras, is truly what makes this documentary exceptional. Her ability to capture the feel of complete abandonment with gritty, bumpy shots of planes flying away, (much like crows flying south for the winter), was riveting. And a beautiful shot of children herding animals in much simpler times was offset by the possibility that the large beasts may flee at any moment, creating mayhem, much like the US leaving Laos. Phrasavath has done an amazing editing job, one that I imagine was difficult as well as fulfilling as he examined his family's pain. Kuras, through her unique filming and layering of the story is able to pull us into Thavi’s story, feeling the family’s emotions, and compelling us to ensure that as a country, we do not let this happen again.