I never, in a million years, imagined I’d become a filmmaker.

While going through my divorce, I began asking myself a question I had never truly considered: What do I want to do with my life? Throughout my marriage, I focused on meeting my partner’s needs and rarely took the time to think about my own dreams or purpose.

As I started rebuilding my life, I discovered my new passion, and I wanted to create documentary films about my healing journey and stories that could inspire others and spark conversations about mental health. I had lived a life shaped by trauma and, for many years, didn’t have the tools to process my pain and suffering.

Through therapy, I gained those tools and began to heal. That healing led me to discover my calling: using storytelling to inspire hope, create awareness, and remind others that healing is possible. Filmmaking has become more than a creative outlet; it’s my way of turning pain into purpose. The birth of Love Lao Der was an idea and now it is an internationally award-winning film which has surpassed all my expectations.

My name is Leth(pronounce like Late) Luangphasy and I am a self-funded Lao Isan American independent film maker from Portland, Oregon. I am in the process of creating Part II. The estimated cost for the production is $25,000. If you would like to donate to bring to life Love Lao Der Mexico, I would truly appreciate it. The money donated would help with filming, editing, traveling, lodging and acquiring permits. Thank you for taking the time to read about me and supporting my film career.