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Film, Video Bayou, Buddha, and Padaek: Southern Louisiana’s Lao Foodways

Transcript: TEXT

About this Item

Title

  • Bayou, Buddha, and Padaek: Southern Louisiana’s Lao Foodways

Summary

  • “Bayou, Buddha, and Padaek: Southern Louisiana’s Lao Foodways” is a two-part documentary that delves into the rich culinary traditions of the Lao Buddhist immigrant community in Louisiana. Through vibrant storytelling and intimate interviews with first, second and third generations, the film uncovers how these unique foodways are woven into the fabric of an existing Cajun and Creole culture, highlighting the fusion of flavors and techniques. Viewers will embark on a journey that celebrates the resilience and creativity of the Lao community, showcasing their traditional dishes intertwined with religious practices and the stories behind them. Explore the intersection of heritage and innovation, and discover how food can bridge cultures and create a sense of belonging. The film was made by Phanat Xanamane, Sami Haggood, and Badar Hamdani. Phanat Xanamane received the 2022 American Folklife Center’s Community Collections Grant for the project, Louisiana Lao New Year Archive. This year’s American Folklife Center Homegrown Foodways Film series is dedicated to celebrating the Center’s Community Collections Grants program recipients, their projects, and community traditions. The Community Collections Grants program is part of the Library’s “Of the People: Widening the Path” initiative.

Event Date

  • Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Running Time

  • 35 minutes, 54 seconds

Online Format

  • image
  • online text
  • video

Rights & Access

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Credit Line: Library of Congress

Cite This Item

Citations are generated automatically from bibliographic data as a convenience, and may not be complete or accurate.

Chicago citation style:

Bayou, Buddha, and Padaek: Southern Louisiana’s Lao Foodways. 2025. Video. https://aj.sunback.homes/item/video-10796/.

APA citation style:

(2025) Bayou, Buddha, and Padaek: Southern Louisiana’s Lao Foodways. [Video] Retrieved from the Library of Congress, https://aj.sunback.homes/item/video-10796/.

MLA citation style:

Bayou, Buddha, and Padaek: Southern Louisiana’s Lao Foodways. 2025. Video. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, <aj.sunback.homes/item/video-10796/>.