Vientiane International Film Festival

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Arts & CultureVientiane
DatesDates TBA · Usually MayCheck locally before booking
Duration1 dayListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forPerformance, exhibitionsVientianale's defining distinction from the
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: LAK
CategoryArts & CultureFestival type
The story

Vientiane International Film Festival in Vientiane

Founded in 2009 by German film enthusiasts, Vientianale was Laos's first film festival and now screens free international, Lao and experimental films annually in the capital. Its outreach arm, Vientianale On The Road, brings mobile screenings and workshops to schools and villages across multiple Lao provinces.

Vientianale began as a modest, biennial project founded in 2009 by a group of German film enthusiasts living in Laos, and in doing so became the country's first dedicated film festival, predating other Lao festivals focused on cinema.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Vientianale's defining distinction from the Luang Prabang Film Festival is its provincial outreach programme, Vientianale On The Road, which physically extends the festival's mission into schools and villages across up to eight provinces rather than concentrating solely on the capital, giving it a grassroots, nationwide educational dimension the Luang Prabang event does not share

02

The mystery stays covered

Its founding by resident German film enthusiasts in 2009 also makes it the country's first dedicated film festival, predating the ASEAN-focused Luang Prabang event by a year

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Free public screenings of Lao and international film across genres

Water and renewal

Living ritual

a smaller recurring Mini Vientianale programme

The sacred route

Living ritual

and the Vientianale On The Road outreach initiative bringing mobile film screenings and workshops to schools and villages across multiple provinces

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually May

Getting around

For Vientiane International Film Festival, plan transport around the exact Vientiane venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.

What to wear

Casual clothing is entirely appropriate for all screenings, with no dress code beyond ordinary comfort for sitting indoors or in whatever venue is used for that year's programming.

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

For Vientiane International Film Festival, stay near the part of Vientiane you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

LAK

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map17.97 N, 102.60 EOpen in Google Maps

Vientiane, Vientiane Capital, Laos

Nearest airportVTE — Wattay
TransportFor Vientiane International Film Festival, plan transport around the exact Vientiane venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.
Stay areaFor Vientiane International Film Festival, stay near the part of Vientiane you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Vientiane via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Vientiane, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for May.Compare faresFestival gearCasual clothing is entirely appropriate for all screenings, with no dress code beyond ordinary comfort for sitting indoors or in whatever venue is used for that year's programming.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Laos and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Vientiane International Film Festival?

Vientiane International Film Festival is listed for Past edition: 1 May 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Vientiane International Film Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Vientiane, Laos. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

One day is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Vientiane, Vientiane Capital, Laos

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLjclao.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually May
Source statusOfficial source linked
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