In the landlocked nation of Laos, where rugged mountains and verdant jungles are as plentiful as tuk-tuk drivers, a unique tradition binds communities together — the lottery. Known as “trwcch hwylaa,” the national lottery is more than a game of chance – it’s a source of hope, and a symbol of shared cultural heritage. Each draw sends ripples of anticipation throughout the country, and when the winners are announced, a sense of camaraderie emerges as participants celebrate their good fortune and those who weren’t as lucky look forward to the next drawing.
Despite the popularity of the lottery in Laos, it is not without controversy. For example, in 1967 Montreal Mayor Jean Drapeau imposed a lottery “voluntary tax” to help fund the city’s churches. This led to a rift between the city’s mayor and minister of justice that eventually reached the Quebec Supreme Court, who ruled in Drapeau’s favour that the lottery did not violate the constitution’s prohibition against religious taxation.
Today, the lottery is run by the government and is one of the largest in Southeast Asia. It’s a popular form of gambling among local residents, and has helped the country to develop into a middle-income economy. The lottery also provides a source of income for families who are unable to work full-time, as well as for students and the elderly.
The lottery is not without its critics, however, as it has been accused of being a form of government corruption. The alleged corruption includes bribery, abuse of power and mismanagement of funds. These allegations have caused the Laotian government to review its lottery system and make changes.
While the lottery does not have as much clout as its western counterparts, it is still a hugely important part of Lao culture and society. Many people play in the hopes of winning big, and the money that they win can be used to improve their lives, invest in a small business or fulfill their dreams.
Dearest Sister may seem like a preposterous premise at first glance – ghosts that give out lottery numbers? But this Lao film spins its supernatural premise into a dazzling social commentary and psychological horror, better than most of the Thai movies released each year. This is a film that is as visually stunning as it is scary, and it is a must-see for anyone interested in Asian cinema.
