Description

When Hmong businessman Locha Thao rises to prominence in his community, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Colin Powell, he decides to answer a call-to-action to help the Hmong people fighting for their lives against violent attacks from the communist Lao government. In an attempt to make his community proud and become a hero, Locha’s mission becomes intertwined with a screenwriter, a former US colonel and an arms dealer in an intriguing real-life story that you have to see to believe.

From veteran CAAM-funded filmmaker David Grabias (SENTENCED HOME), OPERATION POPCORN is a gripping story that raises awareness about a community struggling with the horrific events that occurred during the Vietnam War, in which more than 30,000 Hmong died fighting with the US in Laos against communists. Once the US left the area, and the Hmong people to fend for themselves, the result was a continuous violent attack on the Hmong. Told through interviews with key players and amazing access to surveillance footage, OPERATION POPCORN is a must-see documentary at this year’s festival.

— Davin Agatep

Co-presented by: Seachampa

Credits

Director/Producer/Writer: David Grabias
Executive Producer: Anne Edgar
Co-Producer: Amy Frances Brown
Cinematographer: Howard Shack, Shana Hagan
Editor: Chris Branna, Matt Coddaire, Victor Livingston
Subject: Locha Thao

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