Karen Sticky Rice

Student Films

Sep 15

Synopsis

Filmmaker Naw Betsy gives a sneak-peek into her Karen community’s traditional practice of sticky rice farming. For generations they have conserved this process as it represents their rich cultural heritage and sentiments that provided their livelihood. This intimate tale is a presentation of sticking to roots in an ever-changing world.

From the filmmaker

Through this film I wanted to show the rich cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and agricultural practices of my community: the Karens. For generations, our ancestors have cultivated sticky rice using traditional methods and prepared different dishes from its harvest. Sticky rice is not simply a crop for us; it is deeply connected to our identity, history, food, community, and the wisdom passed down to us by our ancestors. Through this film, I hope to show the importance of protecting this valuable tradition before it is forgotten.