KPL
Twenty teams of young Lao filmmakers premiered their powerful public service announcement (PSA) videos at the Vientiane Centre on October 15, harnessing creativity to tackle the critical issues of human trafficking and unsafe migration.
The event marked the grand finale of a nationwide PSA contest, supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the National Institute of Fine Arts (NIFA), and Plan International Laos. The competition culminated in a prestigious award ceremony celebrating the most impactful films.
The winner of Safe Migration- Khaopun
The winners, who received cash prizes to support their future creative endeavors, were announced in two categories:
In the Safe Migration Category:
Winner: Khaopun – LAK 10,000,000
First Runner-up: OGEN-B Team – LAK 6,000,000
Second Runner-up: Victory – LAK 3,000,000
In the Human Trafficking Category:
Winner: Shocks Films – LAK 10,000,000
First Runner-up: The Sky Production – LAK 6,000,000
Second Runner-up: Pen Nung – LAK 3,000,000
The winner of Human Trafficking- Shocks Films
The contest addresses an urgent need in Laos. According to the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, approximately 400,000 Lao nationals were working in neighboring countries in 2024, with nearly half lacking legal documentation. This underscores the vital importance of youth-led awareness campaigns that promote safe migration pathways and combat the scourge of human trafficking.
Launched in 2019 by Plan International Laos, the PSA contest is designed to empower young people, providing them with a platform to drive social change through film.
“These young creators are using their talent to expose the hidden dangers of human trafficking and unsafe migration,” said Ms. Carol Mortensen, Country Director of Plan International Laos. “When youth are empowered, they don’t just participate in change — they lead it.”
Throughout the competition, the National Institute of Fine Arts provided the participants with essential technical and creative guidance, helping them transform their ideas into compelling visual narratives.
“In this contest, we’ve seen young people turn abstract dangers into powerful visual stories that inform and inspire,” said Mr. Khamsouk Keovongsay, Director of NIFA. “Their work is a testament to the power of art in educating the public.”
Selected from a pool of more than 50 applicants, the 20 finalist teams produced ten PSAs focused on human trafficking and another ten on safe migration. The winning and finalist videos will now be integrated into a nationwide awareness campaign, aiming to reach communities across Laos and inspire safer, more informed choices among youth and their families.
KPL
