Stories emerging from the darkness might be one way to describe how photographer Van Ditthavong found his segue into filmmaking. More, it is also might describe his personal journey—as a young child—to leave harsh conditions in his native Laos and to be re-united with his parents in America.
Van was born in Vientiane, Laos and immigrated to the US when he was 4 years old. He began his career as an award-winning still photographer before transitioning to filmmaking. ALL ROADS TO PEARLA is his feature filmmaking debut. The film world premiered in competition at the 26th Austin Film Festival and was nominated for the 2020 Texas Independent Film Award by the Houston Film Critics Society.
Picture this Post (PTP) spoke with filmmaker Van Ditthavong (VD) in anticipation of the release of his debut feature film, ALL ROADS TO PEARLA.
(PTP) This film has a very moody aesthetic. What were inspirations for style?
(VD) Thematically and stylistically, I was very much inspired by the works of Patsy Cline, John Lennon, Francis Bacon and photographers as honest and powerful like Larry Clark, Diane Arbus, and William Eggleston. My intent was to make a film that dances between the drama, mystery, and even horror genres – showing the psychological details and physical landscapes of the world the characters inhabit. I wanted to draw the audience along in a visceral way – in a deliberate pace where dark secrets, hidden agendas and violence are lurking just out of frame.
You've described your path to directing films as being rather roundabout. What finally got you interested in directing movies?
I definitely fall in the category of a late bloomer. I didn’t even consider or know that work in the arts field or entertainment industry was a possibility. I remember when I was 25 years old I was talking with a friend and he had mentioned something like “Wouldn’t it be great to be a National Geographic photographer?” I immediately thought – yeah it would be great, of course… but “don’t you need a camera?” So the next day I went out and bought my very first camera and became obsessed with image-making and story creation ever since. Then one day, about 10 years ago, I woke up and told my wife I wanted to make movies. Even though I didn’t know how to make a film, let alone a good one – I knew I had something to say and that’s all that mattered. So my filmmaking journey began and I would spend the next decade writing, reading and working on becoming a better storyteller.
You worked as a photographer before coming to directing. How does that influence your cinematography?
I somehow always gravitated to the shadows as much as the light. There are great stories that come out of darkness. Having started my career as a photographer really strengthened my understanding of the visual worlds I wanted to create and the cinematographers I want to work with. It gave me a background and confidence to better communicate my ideas visually with the art and camera departments.
What attracted you to the backroads of Texas as a film setting?
Texas always had this mythical appeal to me. It has the allure of the unknown and the intrigue brought on by stories of outlaws, gunfighters, and cowboys. I lived in there from 2004 to 2011 and during those years, I drove thousands of miles around the state passing through small towns like Pecos, Monahans, Midland, and Eagle Pass to larger cities like San Antonio, El Paso, and Houston – covering assignments as a freelance photographer. The lonely stretches of highway, the weathered faces, the vast and flat landscapes, and the dry heat can all surely leave a lasting impression – especially to a newcomer. You can feel the history with every abandoned oil rig or gas station you pass. ALL ROADS TO PEARLA was born through these long drives from town to town. It is my ode to the darker side of Texas and my answer to what happens when our definitions of love, lust, and loss all blend together.
You come from an impressive artistic pedigree! Tell us more about your father and how his creativity has influenced you.
My father Voradeth Ditthavong happens to be a popular Lao singer and his music is enjoyed by Lao communities throughout the world. Since the 1980s, I believe why his songs resonated with people was because it was just different from the usual folk songs that came out of the country. It had more pop and rock to it. He was like the Elvis of Laos. I remember as a kid – whether I was watching him write music, practice or perform – I never really understood his full impact on the Lao public and his fans. It was only when I was in my twenties that I started to appreciate his work. I would say his biggest influence on me is that he created music out of love, and he has always been a kind, gentle, and sweet man.
Please share with our readers your personal and family history. How do you feel this has shaped your artistry? Interests?
I was born in Vientiane, Laos on November 18, 1974. At that time, my father was working on his master’s degree at Louisiana State University. Soon after my birth, my mother and two older brothers travelled to the US to visit him while I stayed in Laos. Once I was a little bigger, the plan was for me and my uncle to join my family in the States. Unfortunately, that plan did not happen. Political turmoil in Laos lead to detention and assignment to re-education camps for those who remained in the country. I was separated from my parents for three years and during that time, no contact was ever made between us. To escape Laos, I crossed the Mekong River with my aunt and uncle to freedom in Thailand. It was only recently my aunt told me that during our flight, the family in front of us stepped on a land mine. They were killed and we were lucky. Thanks to so many involved, I would finally reunite with my parents on August 2, 1978 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
I grew up outside of Washington D.C. and received my undergraduate degree in Business Management from Boston University, but life has a strange way of working and I ended up having a career as a still photographer before transitioning into filmmaking.
You came to the US as a refugee from Laos. Do you think this has had an impact on the types of stories you are interested in telling?
I definitely think your life experiences shape you for sure. Being a refugee makes me very grateful for any opportunity that appears because life isn’t an easy road. It’s filled with both wonderful and cruel moments so we’ve got to embrace it all. This outlook has impacted the types of stories I like to explore. They usually involve themes of Love and Pain and the consequences of our actions.
Why do you think it's important to have a variety of perspectives behind the camera?
The viewing audience is a mix of different backgrounds and it’s important that we keep pushing the industry to be more inclusive of all voices. When we have stories created by someone of another race or gender, we see a different perspective and point of view. It helps break stereotypes. It also has a positive impact on our younger generation. By having more underrepresented voices heard our youth is exposed to correct messaging which then allows for better understanding of other cultures and the differences that exist between them. Addressing the lack of inclusivity will allow a wider audience to see more of their own challenges and hopes on screen.
For more information, visit the ALL ROADS TO PEARLA website.
Nominate this for The Picture This Post BEST OF 2020???
Click Readers' Choice
Vote Securely! Vote Privately! And Make Your Vote Count-- as all voting should be!!
Images courtesy of Van Ditthavong.
Nominated for Picture This Post BEST OF 2020