Wales One World Film Festival 2025 – Satu: Year Of The Rabbit ★★★★

Released: 14 March 2025

Director: Joshua Trigg

Starring: Itthiphone Sonepho, Vanthiya Saysana

Trudging through water, with a wicker basket strapped to their back. Through young eyes, we are often oblivious to the emotional turmoil our mothers go through in raising us and how that weight can bare down on them. Many days perhaps feeling like you’re at the foot of a mountain, constantly questioning whether this uphill climb is indeed achievable.

Rays of sunlight may peek through the leaves, mirroring the flickers of inner peace and comfort. But in navigating such stormy terrain, can we truly be our loved ones’ ‘sanctuary’? And if not, just how far would we go to grant it to them? The initial question Sonedala Sihavong’s Dara ruminates on, in this beautifully observed road movie of displacement and longing from first-time director Joshua Trigg.

Abandoned on the steps of the Pha Tang Temple years earlier, with a perplexed monk in Danay (Athit Sylavong) left to shoulder the responsibility. Satu’s (Itthiphone Sonepho) curiosity to discover more about his dear mother has reached its peak. Elsewhere, Bo’s (Vanthiva Saysana) relationship with her deadbeat, violent father has hit rock bottom, only emboldening her to write new chapters in life via her passion for photojournalism.

With one swing of a hammer. Bo reclaims her power by fleeing the neglected household, setting her heart on unearthing a worthwhile story. Immediately struck by the details of Satu’s upbringing as she seeks temporary refuge at the temple. They soon embark on a visually stunning and occasionally perilous tour of Laos, in a bid to shed further light on Dara’s decision.

Satu: Year Of The Rabbit’s subplot of unexploded bombs being unearthed on temple grounds, could easily read as a touching metaphor for how Satu has walked through life up to this point. Continuously drenched in uncertainty, these complicated feelings in being an orphan could have exploded at any moment. Yet there is no nagging feeling of resentment towards his mother, only a level of maturity instilled by his adopted family that has gone a long way in diffusing any prospect of an emotional blow up.

If there is one thing director Joshua Trigg does let detonate alongside cinematographer James Chegwyn, it’s the stunning bursts of colour littered throughout Laos which are captured splendidly on 16mm film. Whether it’s mischievously perfecting a handshake as the sun sets or seeking serenity on a speedboat, it both illuminates the sheer warmth of its central partnership and sense of awe for the viewer.

Such awe easily carries over when you discover it’s a cast of non-professional actors, who carve out such naturalistic, captivating performances. The sweet rapport built by Itthiphone Sonepho and Vanthiya Saysana fittingly carries the film a long distance, with Satu and Bo’s collective perseverance leaving you completely invested in their respective plights. Meanwhile the growing presence of Sonedala Sihavong’s Dara within the narrative, as they’re seemingly offered a chance to nurture elsewhere creates many a heart swelling moment.

Rabbits may be present (justice for Jeopong). But don’t write ‘Satu’ off as just another piece of fluff. Joshua Trigg’s feature-length debut is a deeply profound, immersive journey you won’t regret hitching a ride for.