May 2009

Filmed over 23 years, The Betrayal is the directorial debut of renowned cinematographer Ellen Kuras in a remarkable collaboration with the film's subject and co-director Thavisouk Phrasavath. Due in part to its geographic proximity to Vietnam, Laos went through fundamental upheaval in the years during and after the Vietnam War. The U.S. military dropped more bombs on Laos than it had used in both World Wars combined. The Communist takeover that filled the resulting chaos scattered thousands of families around the world. It's a tragic variation on a far-too-familiar story, and once again the damage is so broad and devastating that it is literally impossible to imagine the human impact. When the U.S. withdrew, thousands of Laotians who fought alongside American forces were left behind to face imprisonment or execution. One family, the Phrasavaths, made the courageous decision to escape to America. Hoping to find safety, they discovered a different kind of war. Epic in scope, yet devastatingly intimate, featuring an exquisite score by Academy Award winning composer Howard Shore, The Betrayal is a testament to the resilient bonds of family and an astonishing tale of survival.

Directed by Ellen Kuras & Thavisouk Phrasavath, 2008, U.S.A., 35mm, 96 mins. In English and Lao with English subtitles

Official site     YouTube trailer     YouTube: Air America interview

Filmmaker: Kuras interview     New York Times: about Kuras     New York Times

Village Voice     New York Magazine    New York Magazine (interview)     Variety

Chicago Sun-Times     TimeOut Chicago     Chicago Reader        

Showtimes:
Fri., May 15 at 7 & 9 pm
Sat.-Sun., May 16-17 at 3, 5, 7 & 9 pm
Mon.-Thurs., May 18-21 at 7 & 9 pm

Tickets:
$9 general admission
FREE for Facets Members!

Order tickets online


For all Cinémathèque inquiries, contact Charles Coleman at 773.281.9075 or charles@facets.org