16 YEARS OF GOOD MORNING, LUANG PRABANG: REVISITING IDENTITY, CULTURAL ENCOUNTERS, AND LEGACY THROUGH THE LIGHT OF THE MEKONG
Keywords:
Good Morning Luang Prabang, Light of the Mekong, Hybrid Identity, Cultural Encounter, Lao CinemaAbstract
Commemorating the 16th anniversary of Good Morning, Luang Prabang (2008), this article revisits and analyzes the film's significant role as a cultural landmark. It aims to (1) analyze the process of hybrid identity construction of the protagonist, "Sorn," through cultural encounters; (2) examine the role of the Mekong River and Luang Prabang's cultural landscape as the "Light of the Mekong" influencing identity perception and transformation; and (3) assess the film's enduring legacy on the Lao film industry and cultural promotion. Employing textual analysis integrated with theories of hybrid identity, cultural encounters, and space and place, the study reveals that Sorn's journey reflects a complex identity formation stemming from his interaction with Lao culture and cross-cultural love. The Mekong River and Luang Prabang's landscape serve as more than mere backdrops, acting as semiotic spaces driving awareness and self-discovery. Furthermore, the film has left a significant legacy by revitalizing the Lao film industry, enhancing its tourism image, and inspiring the establishment of the Luang Prabang Film Festival. This affirms that the "Light of the Mekong" depicted in the film continues to illuminate regional cultural dynamics and its lasting influence.
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