Film Lens
Bomb Harvest is a documentary film directed by Kim Mordaunt that focuses on the aftermath of the Vietnam War in Laos. It follows an Australian bomb disposal specialist who trains local villagers to safely detonate unexploded ordnance (UXO) while trying to prevent children from scavenging for scrap metal. The film shows the ongoing dangers posed by the remnants of the US bombing campaign, which dropped over two million tonnes of bombs on Laos from 1964 to 1973.
The documentary captures the impact of UXO on the local population, particularly children, who are often drawn to restricted areas for various reasons, including retrieving livestock or scrap metal. It illustrates how the presence of unexploded bombs stifles agricultural development and contributes to high poverty levels. The film features real-life bomb disposal teams from the Mines Advisory Group working in previously unfilmed areas of Laos, providing a raw perspective on the challenges they face in clearing these dangerous remnants of war.
Why Watch
- •Meet bomb disposal experts in Laos.
- •See the impact of UXO on local communities.
- •Find out about the dangers children face daily.
Did You Know
•Laos is the most bombed country in history, with over two million tonnes of bombs dropped.
•30% of the bombs dropped during the Vietnam War failed to detonate.
•The film crew spent two months filming bomb disposal teams in Laos.
•The documentary won a Children's Advocacy award at the 2008 Artivist Film Festival.
Perfect For
War history enthusiastsHumanitarian aid supportersDocumentary film fans