Preserving a sacred path to change the destiny of a new generation
A determined Lao Buddhist monk is working to bring a sacred education to his country’s poorest children, aiming to lift a new generation out of poverty and isolation
Celebrating UNESCO’s World Day for Audiovisual Heritage
In honor of UNESCO’s World Day for Audiovisual Heritage, we celebrate the extraordinary power of film to preserve the voices, traditions, and experiences that shape our shared humanity. This year’s theme, “Your Window to the World,” reminds us that every story offers an opportunity to see life through a different lens, discover new perspectives, and deepen our understanding of one another.
Through the journey of Saffron Robe, we’ve had the privilege of opening a window into the beauty of Laos, the wisdom of its Buddhist traditions, and the remarkable individuals dedicated to preserving their cultural heritage for future generations. Every story carries a piece of our collective history. Through the art of storytelling, we have the opportunity to honor the past, celebrate the present, and ensure that the wisdom of generations continues to live on.
In celebration, we are inviting you to view a preview of selected scenes from Saffron Robe as well as a special interview with our filmmakers, Jane Centofante, Jayne Hufschmid, and Kraig Butrum.
A Special Interview with Jane, Jayne & Kraig
Scene: Introduction To Our Novices
Scene: Education & Daily Life
Official Trailer
Press
Testimonials
“The saffron color fills the room… it leaps out of the screen with its warmth and its deep meaning, spiritual, and historic. This is an important film, a tender, serious look at the most unknown Buddhist civilization of Southeast Asia.”
—Hans Georg Berger, Co-Founder of Buddhist Heritage Project of Luang Prabang
“A film that captures the feeling, beauty, and rhythms of a remarkable community in a land most of us know too little about.”
—Peter Cohn, Film Director
“I can’t tell you how moved I was by Saffron Robe. Naturally, I was struck by the film’s beauty but along with that I loved the altruism that drove all aspects of the project. It is a story we can learn so much from.”
—Valerie Arieta, Decorative Arts Curator & CIFF Festival Attendee
“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the team for creating such a meaningful film that introduces the world to the lives of young novices within the Buddhist tradition, particularly at Pa Pha-O Academy. It allows audiences to witness how novices strive to seek opportunities — to learn, to take care of themselves, and eventually support their families and society.”
—Mok Phoutthasin, former novice at Wat Pa Pha-O Buddhist Academy and featured participant in Saffron Robe
“Saffron Robe is a deeply meaningful and valuable documentary — especially in today's society, which seeks to strengthen human potential through education, reflection, and inner development. This film speaks powerfully to these aspirations.”
— Dr Khamvone Boulyaphonh, Director of Buddhist Archive of Photography, Luang Prabang
From The Director
Director’s Statement:
Twelve years ago, I embarked on my first journey to Laos, where I had the privilege of meeting Abbot Onekeo Sittivong, a revered Buddhist monk who oversees the Lao Buddhist Fellowship across much of northern Laos. Over time, he welcomed me—and eventually our crew—into the sacred world of Lao Theravada Buddhism in Luang Prabang, a realm rarely glimpsed by Westerners.
My relationship with the abbot developed gradually over multiple visits, rooted in mutual trust and respect. This bond ultimately granted our crew rare access to his private school where its devoted students pursue their education with deep reverence. At the same time, Abbot Onekeo works tirelessly to safeguard the traditions and values of Lao Buddhism, now under increasing pressure from the forces of modernization.
As a Buddhist monk, Abbot Onekeo must carefully navigate his role within a Lao communist government—a challenge we, as filmmakers, also had to negotiate. Yet in the end, I believe we captured the heart and soul of his remarkable efforts, offering a window into the vital work being done in a quiet corner of the world.
Bringing this delicate story to the screen required great care and sensitivity. To that end, our editor, Thavisouk “Thavi” Phrasavath (Academy Award–nominated The Betrayal), brought both deep experience and a personal connection to the material as a Lao refugee in helping to shape the film with profound care and authenticity.
