SINGAPORE – Held from May 12 to 15, the 2nd Vientianale International Film Festival showcases the best filmmaking talent from Lao PDR. With the theme of “Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow,” the event features submissions by local and international filmmakers of all levels, to be screened over the course of four evenings.
Agoda.com, Asia’s global hotel booking site and part of Nasdaq-listed priceline.com Inc. (Nasdaq:PCLN), today announced special rates for Vientiane hotels to coincide with the 2011 Vientianale International Film Festival.
Vientianale launched in 2009, featuring more than 20 locally-produced short films and a selection of international productions. This year, the festival will feature more than 80 shorts, documentaries, children’s films, animated film, and full-length features, and will award three prizes: Open Entry, Short Film, and Rising Star.
Open Entry welcomes submissions of all types, while Short Film entrants must adhere to the “Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow” theme. The Rising Star category calls for submissions from aspiring Lao PDR filmmakers age 16 or younger with the theme, “We Are The Future.” This category is unique in that all “films” must be shot entirely on a mobile phone camera.
In addition to a varied roster of films, Vientianale features a festival party with live bands from Laos PDR. Filmmaking workshops are also available for those interested in developing their movie-making skills. All movie screenings are free and held in the National Cultural Hall in the center of Vientiane.
Visitors to Vientiane during Vientianale have a great opportunity to experience contemporary Laotian culture. While perennial Laos attractions such as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Patuxay monument give travelers a taste of Laos history, the film festival offers a modern perspective of the capital, plus a chance to socialize with Vientiane residents.
Agoda.com has secured a variety of hotel deals in Vientiane to coincide with Vientianale. For more hotels in Lao PDR, visit http://www.agoda.com/asia/laos.html .
AGODA.COM HOTEL DEALS
Don Chan Palace Hotel – 5 stars
Rates from US$71 per night. Minimum stay 3 nights. Enjoy a 25% discount.
http://www.agoda.com/asia/laos/vientiane/don_chan_palace_hotel.html
City Inn Boutique Hotel – 3 stars
Rates from US$42 per night. Enjoy a 15% discount.
http://www.agoda.com/asia/laos/vientiane/city_inn_vientiane_hotel.html
New Lao Paris Hotel – 2.5 stars
Rates from US$20 per night. Minimum stay 3 nights. Enjoy a 20% discount.
http://www.agoda.com/asia/laos/vientiane/new_lao_paris_hotel.html
Le Leela Hotel – 3 stars
Rates from US$29 per night. Enjoy a 30% discount.
http://www.agoda.com/asia/laos/vientiane/le_leela_hotel.html
Seng Tawan Riverside Hotel – 3 stars
Rates from US$119 per night. Minimum stay 2 nights. Enjoy a 10% discount.
http://www.agoda.com/asia/laos/vientiane/seng_tawan_riverside_hotel.html
Sabaidee@Lao Hotel – 3 stars
Rates from US$43 per night. Minimum stay 3 nights. Enjoy a 15% discount.
http://www.agoda.com/asia/laos/vientiane/sabaidee_lao_hotel.html
One Inn – 2 stars
Rates from US$22 per night. Minimum stay 2 nights. Enjoy a 15% discount.
http://www.agoda.com/asia/laos/vientiane/one_inn.html
Leuxay Hotel – 4 stars
Rates from US$48 per night. Enjoy a 10% discount.
http://www.agoda.com/asia/laos/vientiane/leuxay_hotel.html
Ansara Hotel – 4 stars
Rates from US$84 per night. Enjoy a 20% discount.
http://www.agoda.com/asia/laos/vientiane/ansara_hotel.html
Salana Boutique Hotel – 4 stars
Rates from US$52 per night. Enjoy a 8% discount.
http://www.agoda.com/asia/laos/vientiane/salana_boutique_hotel.html