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we and the woods

As humans fall into a whirlpool of greed, a group of Karen people finds a way to connect nature and mankind through their annual tribal ritual.

  • WEERAPHAN THAVORN
    Director
  • Sutee Ruangroj
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Music Video
  • Runtime:
    13 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    May 15, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    20,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Thailand
  • Country of Filming:
    Thailand
  • Language:
    English, Thai
  • Shooting Format:
    Blackmagic 4K
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • cccl film festival
    Bangkok
    Thailand
    February 18, 2021
    World Premiere
    First Runner Up
  • Earth Future Festival

    United States
    World Premiere
    Honorable Mention
  • YaleEnviroment360

    Second Runner-Up
Distribution Information
  • The Weather Channel
    Sales Agent
    Country: United States
    Rights: Internet
Director Biography - WEERAPHAN THAVORN

Weeraphan Thavorn
Weeraphan Thavorn is a filmmaker and graphic designer whose work has been featured on Thai public television. His film “We and the Woods” premiered at the 2022 Changing Climate, Changing Lives Film Festival, winning second place in the documentary shorts competition.

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Director Statement

We believe that in order to make the world a better place, particularly in terms of environmental issues, it must start with humans. Humans themselves are the root cause of destruction, and what will lead humans to pay attention and take action is consciousness. And this is the story of a small group of people who have had a long-standing collective consciousness of loving nature.
In the village of Motha, Mae Chan Sub-district, Umphang District, Tak Province, the ethnic group called "Pakage Yor" participates together in a ceremony known as "Mabukoa." The ceremony is led by a spiritual guide who guides the souls throughout the ritual, both in the morning and at dusk. It serves as a reminder of the land, sky, rice, food, and various elements of nature that they have consumed and used throughout the year. The entire ceremony lasts for 7 days and 7 nights. This sacred ritual is a cultural continuation in the care and preservation of the forest, land, water, sky, and respect for nature.