Across the landlocked nation of Laos, a unique tradition binds its communities together – a national lottery. Each October 23, Lao citizens partake in the lottery, a game of numbers and culture that is more than just a chance to win big money – it’s a source of hope, a moment to look forward to the future, and a testament to the power of community.
In the beginning, there was no official regulation on lottery sales. A group of businessmen formed a syndicate and bought a plot of land on the banks of the Mekong river to set up a lottery office. But as the business grew, questions about its legality surfaced. The Minister of Justice argued that it was a form of taxation, while the mayor of Quebec City defended it as a voluntary tax. Despite these debates, the lottery continued to operate each month with thousands of players from across Canada and abroad.
Unlike other lotteries, which simply arrange sequences of numbers, the Laos lottery also incorporates elements of local culture into its system. Specifically, the lucky animal numbers (11 for dogs, 21 for crabs, and 33 for spiders) carry cultural significance, which is reflected in their payout amounts. The result is a fascinating blend of numbers and symbols, and one that reflects the nuances of a nation’s shared history and experience.
Dearest Sister takes this premise and spins it into a class critique and psychological horror movie that rivals some of the best Thai productions of the year. Mattie Do, an American-born filmmaker who speaks both English and Lao fluently, directed this eerie tale about a blind woman haunted by ghosts that tell her lottery winning numbers. The film stars Amphaiphun Phimmapunya and Vilouna Phetmany, two talented young actresses from the country who give outstanding performances as the narrator and her caretaker, respectively. A must-see for all fans of Southeast Asian cinema.
