Bomb Harvest

Documentary, 88 minutes (55 minute version also available)

Synopsis:

A huge live bomb is found behind a village school in Laos, left from America’s “Secret War” over 35 years ago. Straight-talking, laconic Australian bomb disposal specialist Laith Stevens arrives to check it out. He’s in the process of training a new ‘big bomb’ team, so reluctantly leaves the bomb’s disposal until the team is up to the task. Reluctant, because rural poverty has triggered a brisk illegal trade in bomb scrap metal and the local children are out hunting for bombs.

In order to find the right person to deal with the very dangerous bomb behind the school, Laith will take his team of fledgling bomb disposal specialists down to a remote area of the Ho Chi Minh Trail where they will test their new skills on live bombs for the first time.

With the Lao ability to find the humour in horrific circumstances, Laith uses his larrikin jokes and can-do attitude to bond with the team and local villagers in order to get them through this harrowing task alive. But will they get back to the bomb behind the school in time?

Bomb Harvest vividly depicts the consequences of war and the unimaginable bravery of those trying to clear up the mess.

Directed by Kim Mordaunt

Produced by Sylvia Wilczynski

Written by Kim Mordaunt and Sylvia Wilczynski

Cinematographer: Kim Mordaunt

Original Music by Caitlin Yeo

Editor: Adrian Rostirolla

Financed by the Australian Film Commission, New South Wales Film and Television Office, Harold Mitchell Foundation, Film Buff Productions and ABC TV.

World TV and theatrical sales: TVF International, London, CLICK HERE

Contact: julian.choulambert@tvf.co.uk

DVD sales: Red Lamp Films, CLICK HERE

Awards and Press: CLICK HERE