Travel films for Southeast Asia
We're not all that handy with a video camera ourselves, but plenty of travellers keen on Southeast Asia are, and it's their work we're highlighting here.
Every Monday morning, 52 weeks a year, we'll be adding a new film that we think is great.
Some may have snazzy editing and fabulous talent, others might be rough around the edges but just get you so excited to get travelling that you'll be out the door before the piece is over.
Get in touch If you've got a film that you think would be a great fit, drop us a line
Featured this week
Sapa
See and feel it in your heart! This is the first time i went to SAPA,the north of vietnam. I promised myself, I will go to SAPA again and again.....Thanks.
Director : TER
Shot by: CANON 7D
Music: Norbu
Artist: Bruno Coulais
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Ernest Zacharevic at Armenian Street, Penang
A mural in the makingTimelapse of Ernest Zacharevic at the junction of Armenian Street & Pitt Street, Penang, Malaysia 25 - 29 June, 2011
Film by: Ownlypenang
Soundtrack : Young Folks by Peter, Bjorn & John.
For more info see: ownlypenang.com/ -
A float around the Gilis
Lazy daysThe Gili Islands off Lombok offer some reasonable snorkelling conditions and as this video shows -- turtles too. Video by Mathias B
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Basejumping Krabi
Climb then jump. EasyKrabi is famous for its rockclimbing -- now here is a pretty impressive video of people basejumping off the same cliffs. Video by clairmariebasegirl
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Never go to Thailand
Try that after watching this
Never Go To Thailand, directed by Brian Camusat, is a lovely montage of some of the greatest hits of the kingdom -- from the underwater world, to green countryside, sweaty clubs and street food, this is bound to have you remembering something lovely about your own visit -- or looking forward to one.
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In search of Buddha
A month in the region
A month in Burma, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia and Cambodia by Jan Brettschneider. Looks like every had an absolute ball of a time.
Music: MitiS - Written Emotions & Henry Krinkle - Stay -
4 minutes in Asia
Don’t forget to turn the sound on!
4 Minutes In Asia is a short video narrative of four stunningly beautiful countries: Thailand, Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia. All footage shot on a hand held, second hand camera.
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Lost cycling in the Cambodian jungle
Lost indeed
We are cycling around the world. On the South East Asia leg of our journey, we found ourselves surprisingly stuck in the middle of the Cardamon mountains on really narrow and wild tracks. Read more about the trip here -- fabulous stuff!
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Kuala Lumpur: Melting Pot of Cultures
What a fabulous city
From the towering Petronas towers to the streets of Little India.
Produced by Silvan Pictures
Director of Photography: Matt Silvan -
Almost lost in Taman Negara
Watch out for critters
A stroll in the jungle nearly goes wrong as dusk sets in...
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10 days in Thailand
Popular spots
Ten days in Thailand (covering Chiang Mai, Ko Lanta, Ko Phi Phi and Phuket) with a Panasonic GH2 + Voigtländer 25mm F 0.95.
Editing : Final Cut Pro X
Grading : Magic Bullet Looks
Film by : Fredparis11
Thanks to Leon Visser and 5Mars for their advice and for being so inspiring ! -
Bali postcard
Gorgeous
Postcard from Bali
Shot, edited and graded by Stephan Kot
:: Camera : Canon 5D Mk II
:: Lenses : Canon 50mm 1.4 - Canon 100mm 2.0
:: Indislider Mini
:: Editing/Grading : After Effects - Magic Bullet Looks
:: Music : Helios - Bless This Morning Year -
Return to Singapura
Wait for the busker
Singapura is the Malay name for Singapore, meaning "The Lion City." The Merlion statue, with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, watches over the city from Marina Bay at One Fullerton Place. It's surrounded by Marina Park, the Esplanade, the Fullerton Hotel and the new Marina Sands Resort, three tall structures connected with a green roof deck designed in the shape of a Chinese character. Lazily winding it's way through the heart of this metropolis is the Singapore River. This video was shot over a period of two weeks on location in Singapore.
Film by Rick Macomber
Camera: Canon HV40
Editing: FCP
Soundtrack: "An Ending" by Brian Eno
Special thanks to Tampines Mall street musician: "Mas" -
Land of smiles
Take it easy
A short video shot in Thailand during a vacation in February 2011 using a Canon 5d Mark II with a 24-105mm. Scenes from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Ko Phi Phi, Phuket and Ko Yao.
Film: Candice Deluxe Bittencourt
Music by: Chill Purpose - Beautiful day -
Welcome to the jungle
Bumpy
What looks like a very bumpy 200km bicycle ride from the Golden Triangle to Xieng Kok on the Lao/Burma border.
Film: Andrzej Budnik -
Hanoi traffic
Mental
Small time lapse from Hanoi's traffic at night, craaaazy crossing. Shot with a Canon HV20 in TV mode shutter at 6.
Film: Vinceslas -
The Elephant Conservation Centre Sayaboury, Laos
Great cause
I great video of the Elephant Conservation Centre in Sayaboury, Laos. If you're into elephants, you're going to want to watch this.
Film: Adri Berger -
In Asia: Cambodia
Overlanders
This is the fourth out of five Episodes about a trip to SouthEast Asia in Fall 2010. Stefan, Clemens and Vincent were travelling in a Landrover through Malaysia, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia for 2 months.
Film by Vincent Urban & Clemens Krüger
Music by Moonface - "Marimba & Shit-Drums". -
Bali, je t'aime!
Gorgeous
BALI - Indonesia. Filmed and edited by Andrew Melikov. Camera: Canon 5D Mark II, Lenses: Canon 100mm 2.8 macro, Zeiss 50mm 1.4 regular
Editing: Final Cut Pro
Color correction: Color Finesse 3
Music: helios - cross the ocean -
Cambodia hyperlapse
Vibrant
An outstanding timelapse that will show you the Cambodian capital in a light you've never seen before.
Film by: Andyblalock
Music by: choose me ii by xilent -
Mekong Delta
Just a float around
Moseying down the Mekong.
Shot and Edited by Mat Szwajkos
Music by: Pham Duc Thanh "By the Light of the Moon" -
Loy Krathong
Lovely
The many possible origins and meanings of the Loy Krathong lantern festival are explored as a Thai tuk tuk driver explores its meaning in her own life.
A really outstanding film on the Loy Krathong celebrations in Northern Thailand from Jeffrey Waldron. We just love this film and think it is one of the best we've featured so far. Excellent storytelling and beautiful to watch.
Directed/Photographed/Music by Jeffrey Waldron.
Produced by Sarah Waldron and Jeffrey Waldron. -
5 weeks in Laos
a few seconds at a time
Crossing into Laos in the far north (from Thailand), Asha and I took the slow boat down the Mekong to Luang Prabang before venturing up the Ou River to visit rural villages and witness a boat racing festival. Returning to charming Luang Prabang, we got involved in the three day long New Year's festivities (a giant watertight), before heading to Vang Vieng and Vientiane. We rented scooters and did the Thakhek loop, a 450 km loop around central Laos, and rode a canoe through the 7.5km long Konglor cave. After a stop off in Pakse, we made it to Si Phan Don (4000 Islands), before our time was up.
Film by Asha & Ryan
Music: See the world by GomezThis is the second video we've featured by Asha and Ryan - be sure to check out their The Scooter Diaries further down!
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KL Timelapse
Glorious
Kuala Lumpur: super-modern buildings juxtaposed with various cultural enclaves and with a little of Asia’s chaos thrown in. My time lapse explores how the city changes from day to night highlighting how spaces dramatically alter during the course of a few hours.
Film by Rob Whitworth.
Music: Clams Casino - I'm God facebook.com/clammyclams -
Bali cremation
Just another day in the countryside
In mid 2012 we travelled across Bali with the Hanna Butler, winner of the World Nomads 2012 Travel Writing Scholarship. As is often the case in Bali, we stumbled upon the unexpected.
Film by World Nomads TV.
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Ko Phi Phi
Fly baby!
Flying, diving, sunning and partying on Thailand's Ko Phi Phi. While this film isn't of the highest res, it is worth watching for the aerial shots alone. Truly magnificent islands.
Film by Tiberiu Molnar.
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Mourning Majesty King Father Norodom Sihanouk
End of an era
Thousands of monks join in meditation, during a ceremony in front of the Royal Palace to mourn His Majesty King Father Norodom Sihanouk. Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 20 October 2012.
Film by Kampuchea Party Republic.
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Myanmar 2012
Love the trains
A short video from a 24 day trip to Myanmar (Burma).
We love the dreamy soundtrack and especially the train and train station sequences here -- so rich. Also the way the light streams into the market and onto those mangoes - yummo!
Film by Pravin Narsing. Music: Aldgate Pattern by Little People.
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Singapore tilt shift
The Lion city looking cute
For 'The Lion City', the idea behind the extension of the tilt shift technique is for focus and distance to be something the viewer can experience. It also doubles to communicate the constant heat and humidity that hits you whenever you leave the comfort of air conditioning in Singapore.
Film by Keith Loutit Music by Sepia Productions
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Cambodia and Laos
Great shots of the people
A compilation of footage taken throughout Cambodia and Laos filmed on our one month trip this year. This is the final of a four part series. The music was taken from the soundtrack of one of my favourite movies called Sunshine. Cambodia and Laos were amazing places to visit. We are so used to rolling in and out of countries so quickly that taking our time through Cambodia was very refreshing and one of our favourite trips ever. The people and the sights are were fantastic and if you happen to get some time to spend in Laos then do so! It was definitely a highlight of our trip.
Film by mojo43
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Thailand by iPhone
A short film shot entirely with an iPhone
This enjoyable, just over three minute film takes the viewer to some of Thailand's more popular islands, including Ko Samui and Ko Nang Yuan. See just how many spots you can pick. Shot entirely on an iPhone.
Film by ArtIsland
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Take a walk on the wet side
Who says it rains every day?
Anyone who has travelled through mainland Southeast Asia will recognise many of the locations in this 13 minute film -- we certainly did! It is a good example of how travelling during the monsoon need not mean all-day every-day torrential rain -- far from it.
From Pedro: Video journal of a trip through Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia during the monsoon season. Learning again how to look at the others.
Film by Pedro Ballesteros
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Karimun Jawa
The Jewel of the Java Sea
The Karimunjawa Islands are a little-known archipelago off the northern coast of Central Java. Very well regarded for the pristine beaches and glorious snorkelling, this interesting video made in conjunction with the Wildlife Conservation Society of Indonesia Marine Program shows a challenging flipside to the area. Working with the community to alter destructive fishing habits, a slow but steady transition from cyanide fishing to fish farming has resulted in reef renewal and growth in fish stocks. While not awash in stunning beach scenes, the film is well worth a watch -- perhaps it'll get your feet itching enough to visit the Karimunjawa Islands and employ a fisherman for a few snorkelling trips!
Film by Gekko Studio
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The Killing Season
Bikes and boards
Really enjoyed this film which follows the travails of five skateboarders cum motorcyclists as they ride the length of Vietnam top to tail. Especially liked the characterisations of what buying and riding a motorbike in Vietnam can be like, though it's probably not quite the day to day battle with death that it finishes on! Great to see a film taking a different view on travel in the country.
Skateboarder Magazine: "We probably should have intervened when our Senior Photographer Jonathan Mehring got together with the globetrotting filmer Patrik Wallner to concoct some harebrained excursion to Vietnam for a skateboarding trip, especially when they started throwing motorbikes into the mix. But as they say, the bigger the risk, the bigger the reward, which is probably why the likes of Jerry Hsu, Keegan Sauder, Joey Pepper, Javier Mendizibal and Michael "Michi" Mackrodt were game to accompany them on this journey down nearly the entire length of Vietnam despite some of their limited past experience with riding motorbikes."
Directed, Filmed & Edited by Patrik Wallner
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Pan Asia
Quick and beautiful
Really liked this film. Begins in Southern Vietnam, through the Delta, then Cambodia, a flooded Phnom Penh, the beach and islands (Koh Tonsay maybe?) and Angkor, finishing off in Bangkok. Loved the coffee guy at around the five and a half minute mark and lots of outstanding portraits. Double thumbs up!
From the film maker:
Impressions from our last trip to south east. :)
Music Paul Wex. (c) 2012
Shot with a 7D, all handheld, unfortunately no IS....Enjoy!
If you like this, you might like this (newer one) as well: vimeo.com/47767166 and there is also a photo album of the trip here.
reUP: Rec.709 color fixed.© Paul Wex
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Half a World Away
Lovely
In 2011, I spent six months backpacking throughout South East Asia with two friends. We visited Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia and Indonesia. The trip saw us take on many challenges and partake in a range of exciting new activities. This video highlights some of the best moments and experiences of our trip.
Thanks to my brother Andy for helping process the timelapse photos!
Equipment used - Canon EOS 7D, GoProHD, DIY Slider
Music: Jónsi - Boy Lilikoi
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A Burmese Daze
Dreamy Burma film
A visual trip through Burma.
Film shot with: 5dMk2 - 24-105mm L, 50mm 1.4, 7d - 15-135mm EF and a GoPro Hero2.Filmmakers: J.K Go & M.Leroux
Edited by: Paco Raterta
Music track: "Siberian Slengteng" by Asian Dub Foundation -
A Search for the Sweet Spot
Travel through Vietnam and Cambodia
Join Malia, Mark, and I as we travel from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh, Siem Reap to Sihanoukville!
A compilation of footage shot by Michael Parisien in January and February of 2012 on a trip through Vietnam and Cambodia.
Written, photographed, narrated and edited by Michael Parisien. Featuring: Malia Robello, Mark Parisien, Casey Whisler, Erin Leddy, with Re-Shir-Dan Miranda as "The Norwegian", and Ot the Tour Guide as "Martin Short".
Video by Michael Parisien
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Backpacking Southeast Asia 2012
Flying between trees in Laos!
Me and my mate booked flights to Bangkok and both were so pushed by the idea of having a full seven weeks in Southeast Asia that we decided to buy a GoPro Camera and create a memory that extends normal photos.
The only thing planned for our trip was the "Gibbon Experience" in Laos. Basically it's a drive/hike into the jungle that brings you more then six hours away from civilisation - and this is where the adventure starts. The only people around you are the other five group members and your two guides. The guides lead the way, look after security, and provide self-cooked food in the absolutely breathtaking 50 metre-high treehouses. We stayed three days in the area, swam in ponds (with plenty of leeches for company), hiked over six hours a day and zip-lined 120 metres above stunning valleys. The whole project is a non-destructive way of tourism, where we didn't leave any trash or tracks behind. Neither of us will forget these three days and hope that the "Gibbon Experience" will keep its natural and absolutely amazing character as Laos gradually opens up for tourism.
Afterwards we continued our trip southwards and unfortunately lost the camera after cliff jumping at a kayak trip from Vang Vieng to the capital, Vientiane. So if you guys come across a nice plateau on the Nam Ou River, and by chance have scuba gear with you -- there might be a camera with a nice 10-metre-cliff jump on it waiting for you.
Through the last five weeks we barely recorded anything travelling through southern Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. There would have been some awesome footage of seeing sharks while scuba diving, or getting rescued from a tsunami -- but you can't have it all. The trip was amazing, and we won't ever forget the impressions we got and the people we met on the way. Every time I listen to the music used in this video, my thoughts go to Southeast Asia. Thanks for watching.
Video by Tobi A. .
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Southeast Asia: a time-lapse film
Watch for the setting moon at the end!
I went on a 3 month trip to Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and Burma! We met a ton of people and had some Great times! I got to see some beautiful things! I just wish I could have captured everything! These are my top Time-Lapse Clips put together to the song: Islands, by Hey Ocean. I am also working on a video of all the clips I got which will be uploaded eventually. I used a Canon t3i for all but the one gopro time-lapse of the rafting. I didn't even have a Tripod until about 1 month into my trip! It was a BIG help to finally have!
Film by Joel Schat
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Where Heaven Meets Hell
Staggering images from Kawah Ijen in East Java, Indonesia
Deep in the rain forests of Eastern Java, Indonesia, lies the active volcano, Kawah Ijen, where 500 sulfur miners carrying backbreaking loads, traverse treacherous terrain amidst spectacular vistas and toxic gases. Where Heaven Meets Hell relays the stories of four of these miners, who risk their lives and health daily in an industry we rely on for sugar, matches and cosmetics. This visually stunning and intimate film chronicles their attempts to escape the endemic poverty and lack of education that haunts their community. Drawing strength from their families and Muslim faith, these miners inspire us as they search for meaning in their daily struggles and triumphs.
For the latest news on the film follow us on Facebook
Official Website: www.whereheavenmeetshell.com
Copyright © - Sasha Friedlander
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The Scooter Diaries
Two travellers hit the Tha Khaek Loop in Southern Laos
Asha and I decided to do the Thakhek loop, a 450 km motorbike circuit around central Laos. Having never ridden motorbikes (or scooters) before, this was a dubious decision. Read out extensive travel blog post on it. But it turned out to be one of the best parts of our trip. Riding our bikes through small villages, waving at kids and willing our bikes to make it up and over winding hill-roads - it was something we will always remember.
Heading down dusty, bumpy mountain roads in searing heat and checking the scrawled map to try and figure out where we were was, as dad would say, "character building stuff". The highlight of the four day trip was the Konglor cave - a canoe trip up a 7.5km underground river - pitch dark and winding our way through a mountain.
Screw tubing, this is the best thing to do in Laos. Thanks to Cake, ACDC, Joy Division and Journey for not caring that we used your tracks on this. You need the publicity anyway. For more travel tales and videos, head to our travel blog.
Copyright © Asha and Ryan - www.ashaandryan.com
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Traffic in Frenetic HCMC, Vietnam
A fabulous visualisation of Saigon's traffic by Rob Whitworth
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is an amazing up and coming city. This time lapse is a culmination of 10,000 RAW images and multiple shoots capturing some of the cities relentless energy and pace of change. Everyone who has visited Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam knows part of the magic (love it or hate it) is in the traffic. Ever since I first set foot in HCMC I have been captivated by the cities energy. Saigon is a city on the move unlike anything I have experienced before which I wanted to capture and share. Thanks to everyone who helped with the film and thanks also to the numerous kind people who allowed me access to some amazing locations.
Soundtrack to the video is the energetic Mondo'77 by Looper (used with permission). Read an interview with Rob in Word HCMC for some background information on the project
Official selection at: Tiburon International Film Festival 2012, DisOrient Asian American Film Festival of Oregon 2012, Mudfest 2012 and ANIMAYO 2012.
Copyright © All Images Rob Whitworth 2011 - www.robwhitworth.co.uk
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Saigon motorbike tip: Turning left
Saigon's traffic is insane, here's some tips on how to deal with it.
This short video by Angela and Max who cover Saigon in Vietnam for Travelfish.org gives some pointers on basic motorbike safety along with advice on how to turn left.
Video by Angela Schonberg for Travelfish.org. -
Slowboat from Hat Sa to Muang Khua, Laos
A trip on a slow boat in northern Laos to some smashing Khmer tunes
The boat trip from Hat Sa to Muang Khua is (in my humble opinion) one of the most beautiful in Laos, and the trip takes the best part of a day (once you take into account stops, boat swaps, meal stops, boat swaps, meal stops and so on. There was just the one other traveller on board, so once we'd exhausted all possible conversation, I sat back and just enjoyed the scenery. I'm no cinematographer -- it was all taken on an iPhone -- and as I didn't know how to edit at the time, it is just the one shot. Still I hope it gets your feet itching a little :)
Video by Travelfish.
