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Deep Dive: Innocence (2006)

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Innocence
Innocence is a documentary that focuses on the Baan Mae Toh school in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand, which serves hill tribe children, primarily from the Karen and Hmong communities. The film follows Prayoon Kamchai, the principal, as he addresses the educational needs of children who often travel 80 to 90 kilometers on dangerous mountain roads to attend school. It captures the struggles of poor families and the innovative solutions Prayoon implements, such as starting a free lunch program and establishing a boarding school to facilitate access to education. The documentary is shot on digital video and features the efforts of students and teachers who contribute to building and improving the school. It also shows the school's limited funding from the Thai government and the resourcefulness of the community in raising their own food. The film culminates in a trip for graduating students to the beach, marking a significant milestone in their education and life experiences.

Why Watch

  • •Meet Prayoon Kamchai, a dedicated school principal.
  • •See how students raise their own crops and livestock.
  • •Follow the first beach trip for many graduating students.

Did You Know

•The school is located in rural Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.
•Prayoon Kamchai has been teaching at the school since 1983.
•Students often travel 80 to 90 kilometers to reach the school.
•The school offers classes up to Mattayom 3, or ninth grade.
•Graduating students take a trip of over 1,000 kilometers to the beach.

Perfect For

Thai education systemHill tribe culturesDocumentary filmmaking