Yunnan China: Cultural Connections Along the Mekong

4-part Documentary ~
Mekong: A Turbulent River

For the most up-to-date listing of conference events, please consult the Online Calendar of Events, which may reflect time or location changes.

I. Turbulent River in Tibet and Southwest China. April 13, 4:30 PM (F. W. Olin Building 014)
First in a series of programs exploring the lifestyles of the people who live near the Mekong's banks. This program examines the lives of the people who live at the sources of the Mekong: shepherds, fishermen, farmers and traders in Tibet and southwestern China. The Bai people and the Dai people discuss their concerns about the overcutting of timber, water pollution and proposed dams. The role of the Mekong in their local economies is explored along with their history, customs and religion. 52 minutes.

II. The Mekong in Laos and Thailand. April 15, 4:30 PM (F. W. Olin Building 014)
Second in a series of programs exploring the lifestyles of the people who live near the Mekong's banks. This program looks at impoverished Laos and prosperous Thailand, as Laotians and Thais discuss life along its banks. Common concerns include navigating the river, environmental conservation, economice reforms and local economies based on fishing, agriculture, logging and hydroelectric energy. Buddhist monasteries, the blessing of houses, and traditional medicine provide glimpses of daily life. 52 minutes.

III. Great Water in Cambodia. April 20 4:30 PM (F. W. Olin Building 014)
Third in a series of programs exploring the lifesytles of the people who live near the Mekong's banks.This program looks at Cambodia and its tidewater basin, the Tonle Sap. This is a country trampled by war and still dealing with bandits and land mines. However, free elections, renewed veneration of Buddhist monks and a resurgence of traditional celebrations are helping to stabilize Cambodia. Here a river pilot, a city surveyor, artisans, rice farmers and fishermen describe their work around the river. 52 minutes.

IV. Nine Dragons in Vietnam. April 22, 4:30 PM (F. W. Olin Building 014)
Foruth and final segment in a series of programs exploring the lifestyles of the people who live near the Mekong's banks. This program looks at Vietnam and the Mekong Delta, with its islands, canals and mangrove swamps. Village entrepreneurs working in the fishery, rice, rural traveling theater and passenger boat business recount their difficulties during and after the Vietnam War and their successes since the shift to a market economy. In addition, the use of pesticides is threatening the water quality of the Mekong and deforestation of the mangrove swamps endangers the Delta's ecosystem. 52 minutes.