The Tokyo Gap-Financing Market has become a vital platform for filmmakers seeking collaborative opportunities, and this year’s event sees a poignant new entry. “Rhizome,” a feature film delving into the aftermath of America’s “Secret War” in Laos, aims to highlight a buried chapter of history. Directed by Jakrawal Nilthamrong, the film seeks partners to complete its financing, with production anticipated in 2026. The project promises to explore themes of legacy, trauma, and healing, using the main keyword “Rhizome” to drive the narrative forward.
Exploring the Story of “Rhizome”
Directed by Jakrawal Nilthamrong, whose previous works include award-winning films like “Vanishing Point,” “Rhizome” follows Na, a Lao-American woman returning to her homeland. Set in 1994, the film tracks Na as she joins a bomb disposal team tasked with clearing remnants of the Vietnam War. Her journey becomes entwined with the local leader, Bua, as they navigate both romance and the profound scars left by war.
The narrative begins in 1974, with civil war refugees fleeing to the Thai border. A young girl, haunted by witnessing a traumatic helicopter crash involving her father, now faces the legacy of these events as an adult. As Na collaborates with Bua, she encounters David, an American searching for lost soldiers, and Big-D, a troubled local. A tragic explosion prompts Na to confront her fragmented memories and uncover her father’s wartime secrets.
The Symbolism Behind “Rhizome”
The title “Rhizome” carries deep symbolic meaning, echoing its themes of interconnection and hidden trauma. Director Nilthamrong describes it as “a subterranean root system,” representing the intertwined memories and histories of Laos. The film reveals how these buried legacies affect not only the land but also the people trying to rebuild their lives from the ruins of conflict.
Nilthamrong emphasizes the importance of addressing these hidden histories. “The work seeks to resonate with the urgency of forgotten histories—reminding us that Laos remains the most bombed country in the world, yet its people continue to live, rebuild, and find life growing again from the most wounded soil,” he explains.
Challenges and Opportunities
Tackling a subject as sensitive as the “Secret War” poses unique challenges for the production of “Rhizome.” Accurate representation of historical events and ongoing bomb disposal efforts required extensive research and careful scriptwriting. Filming permissions in Laos necessitated building strong local partnerships and trust.
Nilthamrong and producer Chatchai Chaiyon are navigating both creative and commercial challenges. Chaiyon aims to blend arthouse and commercial elements to broaden the film’s appeal. “Development and financing remain challenging,” he notes. “However, I am confident that ‘Rhizome’ possesses the elements and potential to achieve that goal.”
The team is actively seeking co-producers and sales agents at the market to secure the necessary financing for production. Chaiyon expresses optimism about closing the funding gap, aiming to start production by 2026.
“Rhizome” is more than a film about the past; it’s a reflection on resilience and renewal. By shedding light on a lesser-known chapter of history, it strives to foster understanding and connection, much like the intricate root system it’s named after.
