Exhibition of Winning Photographs from the 2017 "Stunning Vang Vieng" Photo Contest Opens in Vientiane and Vang Vieng

Vientiane, Laos, May 06, 2017 --(PR.com)-- The exhibition of winning photographs from the 2017 Stunning Vang Vieng photo contest was formally opened yesterday at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Vientiane. More than 100 guests attended the event at the invitation of the contest organizer, Mr. Stéphane Vigié, co-owner of Riverside Boutique Resort, Vang Vieng. Amongst the guests were H.E. Mme Claudine Ledoux, Ambassador of France to the Lao PDR and H.E. Mr. Michael Grau, Ambassador of Germany to the Lao PDR.

About 400 entries had been submitted by both Lao and foreign photographers under the Stunning Vang Vieng photo contest, in four different categories.

“We were thrilled to receive some many great images,” declared Mr. Vigié. “We really hope that this exhibition will raise awareness about the beauty of Vang Vieng, and also the need to protect and preserve its unique landscapes and traditions.”

The 24 best entries that form part of the exhibition were selected by an international jury comprising professional photographers as well as communication experts:

1 - Mr. Thierry Falise (Belgian), independent photo-journalist.
2 - Mr. Michel Somsanouk Mixai (Lao), Vice President of the Lao Journalist Association, founder of the Vientiane Times and Le Rénovateur.
3 - Ms. Pany Saignavong (Lao), CEO and Founder of Society Corporation (communication company) and Lao Fashion Week.
4 - Mr. Rik Gadella (Dutch), former Director of Paris Photo; General Director of Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden, Luang Prabang.
5 - Mr. John McDermott (American), photographer
6 - Ms. Mattie Do (Lao-American), film director.
7 - Mr. Cyril Eberle (French-German), independent director, creative director and photographer.

During the opening party, Mr. Vigié was joined by Mr. Michel Somsanouk, Ms. Pany Saignavong and Mr. Cyril Eberle, to formally announce the contest winners and runner-ups.

“One of the contest objectives was to identify young and talented Lao photographers, to give them some visibility, and to put them in contact with potential customers, so that they can make a living out of their talent in the future if this is their ambition,” declared Mr. Vigié.

Nature & Landscapes category

Winner: Mr Khamsavanh Naphavong, Lao, 25 years old
For: “Fantastic Vang Vieng”, March 2016

Runner-up: Ms. Catherine Baraffe-Soudat, French
For: “Farmers”, February 2017

Tourism category

Winner: Mr. Anouphon Phomhacsar, Lao, 27 years old
For: “Phatang View”, January 2015

Runner-up: Mr. Phoonsab Thevongsa, Lao, 33 years old
For: “A twilight scene of tourists crossing a wooden bridge”, December 2016

Local People category

Winner: Mr. Bill Kiphavong, Lao, 27 years old
For: “Fisherman, Tad Keng Yong”, February 2017

Runner-up: Mr. Yenok Lee, Korean, 17 years old
For: “Dignified & proud Lao man”, March 2017

Local Life category

Winner: Ms. Catherine Baraffe-Soudat, French
For: “Local girl collecting wood”, February 2017

Runner-up: Mr. Por Thor, Lao, 23 years old
For: “Hmong woman and her cow in Ban Nasom”, February 2017

All winners received a $400 cash prize, as well as a 2-night stay for two people at either Riverside Boutique Resort in Vang Vieng, or Villa Maly in Luang Prabang. The runner-ups received a $100 cash prize.

In addition, a Special Jury Prize was awarded to:

Mr. Sinxay Thavixay, Lao, 28 years old
For: “Hot air balloon team”, February 2017

Mr. Sinxay received a photography contract worth $500 from two hotels in Luang Prabang, Villa Maly and le Parasol Blanc.

The Stunning Vang Vieng exhibition will be held:
· At Crowne Plaza Hotel, Vientiane, from 3 May to 3 June 2017
· At Riverside Boutique Resort, Vang Vieng, from 5 May to 5 July 2017
· At the French Cultural Center, Luang Prabang, in October or November 2017 (dates to be confirmed)