Educational Media Reviews Online

Set in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, located in the Quang Binh Province of Vietnam, viewers are introduced to Hang Son Doong, the largest cave in the world. The film features stunning views of the cave mouth, stalactites, dolines, and beautiful wild jungle surrounding the cave system. Alastair Evans does a marvelous job of capturing this unique world and conveying the wonder the initial team of explorers from the British exploration team and subsequent visitors felt upon entering this hidden world.

The film describes the cave system in detail; its composition, size, layout, and its importance to the locals as a source of income, before discussing the controversial creation of a cable car system the Vietnamese government has proposed to increase tourism to the area and generate revenue.

To those unfamiliar with the Vietnamese communist government, the documentary provides a shocking view of the response it has had to peaceful protests. Known for jailing protestors, targeting businesses, and physically assaulting those who might cause unrest, the Vietnamese government reacts strongly to any sort of public unrest. Some viewer discretion is advised, as images from these scenes of the government suppression of protests could be disturbing. Efforts to protect and preserve the cave were led by the Vietnamese environmentalist group, Save Son Doong, and effectively drew support from around the world. The social media campaign has temporarily stalled the Vietnamese government’s plans to build a cable car system to increase traffic to Hang Son Doong, but it's made clear this will be an ongoing struggle.

The film provides insight into the pros and cons of the creation of a cable car system to the cave, discussing concerns that increased tourism could destroy the pristine beauty of the area and force locals out, but also the possibility that the development of the area and influx of tourists could bring prosperity to one of the poorest provinces in Vietnam. Evans presents the situation from different stakeholders’ perspectives and avoids presenting a singular solution as the correct answer. Interviews with locals, business owners, and environmentalists illustrate the complexity of future decisions regarding tourism and development around Hang Son Doong and the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.

Overall, this is a compelling, thought-provoking, and visually appealing documentary.

Awards:
Best International Documentary Feature, Sedona International Film Festival; Film of the Festival / Best Documentary Feature / Best Director, Oxford International Film Festival; Outstanding Achievement in Film and Global Impact Award, Richmond Film Festival; Enlightenment Award, DocUtah International Film Festival; Vanguard Award, Documentary Feature & Best Director of a Documentary Feature, Idyllwild International; Best Cinematography, Awareness Film Festival

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