Finding Oasis (Thailand, 12 mins. 40 secs)
Director: Chomwan Weeraworawit
Cinematography: Sayombhu Mukdeeprom
Supervising editor: Lee Chatametikool
Music: Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band
The 12 minute-long film takes the form of a visual essay as it follows Philip Huang’s journey to Isan, introducing the Indigo Grandmas with whom he has worked with over the years, having made his first trip to Isan 5 years ago. It explores the grandma’s vision and hears their stories, immersing us into the world that the keepers of the craft of indigo dyeing live, where dyeing indigo and weaving are core to their way of life. The process that these brilliant dyes that give unique colours that are used in Philip Huang’s collections are explained, from indigo to bark dye to mud dye. And finally, to see how indigo is made and what going back to the land actually means through a first-generation dyer and designer who has returned home to Sakon Nakhon to create a sanctuary for research and experimentation with natural dyes and fibers.
Finding Oasis won Best Documentary at ASVOFF 12
View the film here