Saffron Robe
An ambitious and determined spiritual leader is running a monastery in a remote region of Laos despite the cultural revolution that accompanied the communist overthrow of his nation's 600-year-old monarchy. Abbot Onekeo Sittivong could be described as a measured and ascetic man, as one would expect from someone in his position, but he does not simply go with the flow. He wants to uplift people and have an impact on the greater good of his country.
In addition to educating boys from poor, remote villages, he is reviving the ancient practice of Theravada Buddhism, arguably the core thread of the Laotian social fabric. Whereas many spiritual leaders fled their temples to toil in rice fields and survive as best as they could, the abbot lobbied the country's new political establishment to secure a charter for his school.
It is a fine achievement. The helmer behind this documentary feature is Jane Centofante, a debut filmmaker who plays the roles of writer, producer and director. To make her film, she first needed to obtain special permission to film it, and the abbot kindly agreed. Centofante settles into the life of the community and draws out many moments of insight.
As for the boys who attend the school, a small number go on to become saffron-robed monks, but most move on to modern careers that they otherwise would have no chance of pursuing. A Western audience will have no other chance to experience this quiet but important place along the banks of the Mekong River, and it is a place very worth visiting.
You can watch the trailer here: Saffron Robe Trailer
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