Laos isn’t as famous for its national lottery as its neighboring countries, but every announcement of winning numbers stirs a ripple of excitement across the small landlocked nation. For many, the lottery isn’t just a pastime, but a tradition and a glimmer of hope for a better future.
Like most things in the Laotian culture, the lottery is more than just sequences of numbers; it also weaves mystical symbols into the mix, a rich cultural tapestry that offers more than just a chance at windfall riches. For example, in a recent draw the lucky animal numbers included 20 (crab), 21 (weaverbird), and 33 (spider). Each of these creatures has its own unique cultural significance, from the porcupine for wealth to the centipede for luck.
But the spirit of the lottery is not just about money; it also represents a sense of community and a bond between families. In a country where economic opportunities are few, the lottery is a social leveler and a source of national pride. Thousands of people check their tickets, hearts pounding, in the hopes that they will be the ones to strike it lucky.
For those who do win, the prize money can be life-changing. One woman who grew up in an orphanage and won a large lottery jackpot says she plans to give some of her winnings back to the people who raised her.
However, the lottery is not without its critics. For example, some people question the accuracy of the winning numbers. Others have questioned the legitimacy of the Laotian government’s involvement in the lottery and if it is really random. Still, despite these issues, the lottery remains a popular choice for many.
The movie Dearest Sister is a horror story about a blind woman who receives ghostly fortune-telling visits from spirits that reveal her winning lottery numbers. Although the premise sounds preposterous, the film is actually a very well-made Lao production that twists the supernatural premise into both class critique and psychological horror.
The director of the movie is Mattie Do, an American Lao who grew up in California and maintains a strong connection to her ancestor’s homeland. She started making films about four years ago, and Dearest Sister is her second feature. She hasn’t received much formal training, but she is a skilled ballet dancer and can speak both English and Lao fluently. She is currently working on a third film.
