Behind the Scenes with Kyle Sandilands

Kyle Sandilands has been a volunteer with CBT Vietnam since 2011. He graduated from Capilano University’s Motion Picture Production program and has recently completed a new video, The Black H’mong of Lao Chai Village. In just a few days, the video has received over 1,000 views from 33 countries, and is continuing to be shared with viewers from around the world. I asked Kyle a few questions to get a better idea of what this process was like behind the scenes.

Photo courtesy of Kyle Sandilands 

From the initial concept to the final posting online, how long does it take you to create something like this?

It takes a long time to put together a video like this. In this particular video, scenes with Chris Carnovale and Jen Reilly chatting with the H'mong guides on the streets of Sa Pa were shot on my first trip to the region four years ago and did not have a home in the edits of any of the previous videos that focused on the Red Dao in Ta Phin. Telling the story of the Black H’mong guides and sellers in Sa Pa is something we’ve wanted to do for a long time, and now that the CBT Vietnam project has begun to wrap up training in Ta Phin it was only natural that last May’s trip would be the time. We shot it in May, edited a rough cut to screen for the PATA Foundation in September and continued to edit it over the past few months between other projects. It’s great to have it finally online!

Photo courtesy of Kyle Sandilands

How important would you say it is creating materials like this for the Sa Pa region and the H’mong people?

It’s very important. There is so many travellers I meet who know little to nothing about the H’mong or any of the minority groups in the Sa Pa region. Often I hear that the area is too ‘touristy’ or that the sellers are too aggressive. Or that visiting these villages and snapping photos of the people resembles a type of 'human zoo'.

These are all valid concerns, but hopefully with the videos, it can both help share the stories and perspectives of the villagers who call Sa Pa home, and better inform travellers to the area about the positive and negative effects tourism is having on the region, as well as what CBT Vietnam’s role is.

What is your greatest memory or favourite shot that you have gotten throughout this project?

The trip to Hanoi with the Dao women was a pretty amazing experience. Watching the ladies overcome their own hesitations to leave Ta Phin for the big city was incredible to be a part of and to try to see the world through their eyes. Filming the ladies ride escalators for the first time, test out massage chairs and eat sushi was something I’ll never forget. For the newest video, I really tried to showcase just how beautiful and expansive the area is, as well as focus on the intricate details that make up the H’mong culture. Embroidery, batik, harvesting rice - it really is an amazing culture.

What projects are you currently working on, and what can we look forward to seeing from you in the future?

Right now I’m back in Canada working onset on a film in Vancouver, and am in prep on a few more documentary projects.

Photo courtesy of Kyle Sandilands 

What does this project mean to you?
Going to Vietnam with this project in 2011 was absolutely a life-changing experience that opened my eyes to this amazing area and incredible people. It opened the doors to many other interesting projects since, both in Canada and abroad, filming in Africa and South America on a feature documentary for CBC, as well as spending a winter in Yellowknife for History Channel’s Ice Pilots. It’s been hugely important project to me that I’m forever humbled to be a part of.

Kyle, thank you so much for letting us know a bit more about the incredible work you have done for this project! If you haven’t seen Kyle’s latest video yet, please click here.

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Spotlight on the Black H’mong

When thinking of the people residing in Vietnam your mind will likely start to conjure up images of the Vietnamese people. But, did you know that there are actually 54 minority groups that also call Vietnam their home?

Each of these ethnic minorities has their own unique culture and history that are wildly different from each other and from that of the Vietnamese. One of those ethnic minority groups is called the Black H’mong and they have a fascinating history and culture.

Black Hmong woman tending to her indigo-dyed hemp fabric - photo by Caitlin Rowe 

The exact origin of the Black H’mong people is still unknown to this day. This is partially because most of this culture’s history is passed down orally, making it challenging to trace. Some believed that they may have come from Europe, due to stories of ancestors having blue eyes and blonde hair. This is actually an occurrence that, even though rare, still happens today. However, through evidence surrounding similar linguistic patterns, it is believed that they spent at least 2,000 years in China up until approximately 300 years ago. The Black H’mong left China after rebelling against Chinese imperialism during the Ming and Qing dynasties. They found safety in areas of Northern Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. 

Ms. May, owner of a homestay in Lao Chai - photo by Caitlin Rowe

In Sapa, the Black H’mong are the most populous group out of all of the ethnic minorities, with its people living in villages such as Lao Chai and Ta Phin. Many have relied on farming and agriculture as their main occupation; however, with the increase of tourists in the Sapa region, they now use tourism as a source of income. The relationship between tourists and the Black H’mong has been strained at times, primarily as a result of cultural conflict. Now armed with a better understanding of the tourist mindset and more conscious international visitors, the relationship has greatly improved. In today’s society, the Black H’mong people are happy to welcome tourists into their homestays and its people are learning how to use tourism to their advantage. 

References:

Lacharbey, Juliette. (n.d.). The Hmong People of North Vietnam. Scribol. Retrieved from http://scribol.com/anthropology-and-history/the-hmong-people-of-north-vietnam

Cha, Dia. (2004). Field Guide to Hmong Culture. Madison Children’s Museum. Retrived from 

http://csumc.wisc.edu/cmct/HmongTour/howwedidit/HMONG_FIELD_GUIDE_WEB.pdf

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Connections and transformations

"How was your trip?" 

I get asked that question almost every day and it's probably the most challenging question to answer. The truth is, it's hard to express how much the CBTVietnam trip means to me. Whenever, I try to explain it I never feel like I do it justice as words can't describe it. It was a trip of a life time and can only be truly understood by experiencing it for oneself. However, I want people to hear about it even if its only a taster of how inspiring and rewarding it was.

Going to Vietnam was more than I could have ever wished or dreamt. I didn't believe it when Chris, Stephanie and Caitlin said it would change my life. It seemed cliche and unbelievable that one trip could touch that many hearts so deeply but once I arrived in Lao Chai all my doubts vanished. The villagers are the most welcoming, open and loving people I have ever met. Right away, they invited us into their homes and treated us like family.

While in Lao Chai, I worked with so many amazing people and witnessed how hard they worked everyday to make a living. Ms. Sao and Ms. Di are two local batik artists who run workshops in their handicraft shops just off of the main road that travels through the village.  I had the pleasure of working with them to further refine their workshops and find ways to advertise to the tourists. It was surprising how much we were able to communicate to each other without speaking the same language. These interactions showed me how powerful body language can be and how it can often be more effective because the meaning of words vary so much from culture to culture.

Working on the batik product also gave me a chance to see how strong the bonds of community are in the village. On the last CBT Vietnam Trip in August 2013, Ms. Di was the only batik artist running workshops in Lao Chai. Since then she shared the knowledge and resources on how to run a workshop with Ms. Sao, again illustrating the strong sense of community this village has. Sharing this information was not seen as a threat to business but a growth of the whole village. The unquestionable generosity and compassion of the Hmong people opened my eyes to the self-centred attitude that I often see at home.  

When I think back to the CBT Vietnam trip, I am amazed at how much I have learnt, not only about community based tourism and Hmong culture but about how to be a better person. The Hmong people showed me how beneficial and important it is to enter every situation with an open mind and a smile. 

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Black Hmong: Ma's story

It's been a few weeks since I returned from Vietnam and found that I was missing Vietnam’s culture and nature, but mostly it was the connections with the people. While sorting through my pictures, I was back with the Hmong and remembered learning a lot from this minority group while staying with a young Hmong woman named Ma.

Ma a trekking guide for the FAM trip

Ma is a trekking guide and has just started a homestay in Lao Chai. During our first introduction, she invited me to stay with her and was very eager to get to know me. During our time in Lao Chai I spent a night at her place and was amazed by her great English skills and her sense of humour. Ma is only two years younger than me and although we are from very different countries and cultures I realized that we both share similar values.

Family is an important aspect of my culture as well as for the Hmong. Ma believes in family bonding and support for one another. In Hmong culture the whole family works together whether it's building a home or planting rice. Ma stayed with her family-in-law for three years while everyone helped build her new home. I was impressed with this cultural behaviour since it would be uncommon to find this level of support from people in my culture.

Ma’s house and rice field

I have worked many summers on various farms and developed an appreciation for nature. The Hmong people also value their natural surroundings for its diversity and balance. Ma thinks that letting her children play outside is good for them. It allows kids to experience danger themselves and have a better understanding of their environments. In addition, since Ma is also a farmer, nature becomes a necessity, she learned to respect the land at a very young age.

Another value Ma and I share is our open-mindedness. We are both curious about each other’s culture and we appreciate each other’s differences. Ma questioned me a lot about my life back home, especially about my diet and my family. During our goodbyes, she once again amused me when she spontaneously told me that I should have children soon while my body is still young. I laughed, but quickly felt sad to realize that I will deeply miss my new friend.

Ma and I before trekking the Muong Hua Valley

Working and living with the Hmong showed me how welcoming certain culture may be. Ma and many others have a generosity I have never seen and experienced before. Reflecting on the trip and our shared values I feel I have a better appreciation for simplicity and try to find happiness in the smallest things. Amongst this community, I have learned to be more respectful, attentive and patient with one another.

I would like to thank Capilano University, CBT Vietnam, PATA, and everyone that made this project possible. Without everyone’s initiative and hard work, I would not have the opportunity to meet inspiring and unforgettable people, such as Ma.

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What a Night, we thank you!

Well the CBT Vietnam team's event of the first screening of Kyle Sandilands' "When the Villagers Left" was a success, with over 120 in attendance! It was not without a lot of last minute calling, facebooking, tweeting, and texting though as earlier in the week we were concerned that we would not meet the goal we of 100 tickets.

I personally phoned, texted, emailed and mailed every person I could think of and invited them to the event. I felt like mission control, counting out loud every time we sold another ticket. 40 soon jumped to 50, then soared to 70. I checked the Eventbrite page more than I checked my email, Facebook and Instagram combined.

Everyone worked tirelessly on this event. Hedieh collected five amazing films to support Kyle's, Emily organized the venue rentals while Sabrina dealt with our suppliers and coordinated the liquor licence, and Maggie took on posting signs everywhere and anywhere building  awareness for the event. Working as a team was incredible which bodes well in terms of the successes we will be able to reach when we travel to Vietnam.

This entire event never would have happened without our fearless leaders. Stephanie Wells and Chris Carnovale took charge of this event and guided us through every step. The success of this event directly reflects their leadership and efforts.

When the event day finally came around everything had come together We cheered when we sold over 100 tickets, (which was our goal) and Chris promptly said "lets make it 120". Alumni of the project came through and supported us with over 15 previous team members in attendance.

We were especially honoured to have Dr. Geoffrey Bird in attendance as he was one of the original founders of this project. Dr. Chris Bottrill, Dean of the Faculty of Global and Community Studies, as well as the project's Director was our MC for the night. In addition, 12 Dao community members who not call Surrey their home, came to the event in their traditional clothes.

All in all the event was a remarkable experience. It is one that I will never forget and I will be forever grateful to our friends, family, colleagues and supporters for showing up in hoards and backing the CBT Vietnam Project.

23 Days until departure. Not that we are counting or anything. 

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Sapa is one for the books!

A new book “The Lost Girls”, written by three friends, chronicling their yearlong adventure around the globe, brings readers into the region of Sapa, and a guide name Tsu, a young Hmong woman.

The Lost Girls (I immediately fell in love, realizing I myself may be a lost girl) are from New York and tired of their careers and lack of adventure pack up their lives and take off on a year long adventure around the globe. Nearing the end of their trip they travel to Sapa via Hanoi and instantly fall in love…(albeit not with the February weather that is)…and take off on a three-night trek into a few villages.

Mastering the Sapa Slide, a dance created by their lack of skill during their trek through rain torn trails, the girls arrive in a homestay, and following dinner, are served “one part lighter fluid, two parts rubbing alcohol” (aka homemade rice wine). As part of our interview, Chris asked us how we would handle being served the local specialty at an early hour. Needless to say I may be a bit hesitant, but look forward to experiencing the local favourite.

Our last meeting coincidentally landed on the day in which I read the chapter dedicated to Sapa. I shared the pages with the team and after talking with not only our current team, but also past CBT Vietnam volunteers Caitlin and Nic, we realized the importance of the project, building sustainable tourism, and the value the training brings to the local communities.

These woman make us even more excited to travel with the team to Sapa and about the opportunity all of us have to work with these truly remarkable communities. We are all nervous; will we be able to do enough? The more and more we think about it we realize we are not the only one educating, but rather the locals will be educating us.

This week's mission: Eat some more Vietnamese food, start our Vietnamese language tutorials, 

and make sure our passports are current.

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Making it happen in THEIR community!

From left: Taryn, Zu, Caitlin, Steph, Kristine, and La

One of the strengths with working in Lao Chai village is the community of local Hmong guides who call Lao Chai home.

As children, girls like Lyly, Chai, Zu, Za, and La followed groups of tourists as they trekked through their village and onto the neighbouring village of Tavan. The afternoons would have been spent befriending some of those trekkers from all over the world. A product of those friendships was an uncanny knack for picking up different languages including English. The ability to speak English along with their local knowledge made them the perfect candidates to become tour guides.

Lyly and Zu leading a community mapping workshop.

Today this community of guides, most of them girls, are famous for their friendly, charismatic and cheeky approach to guiding. They make up the greater majority of guides in the Sapa region, and have moved on to leading and managing tours throughout Vietnam.

Za teaching her mother and sister-in-law how to cook pancakes for breakfast.

Over the past week we have had five of these guides join our CBT Vietnam team. With little direction Lyly, Chai, Zu, Za and La have transformed from translators – both from Hmong to Vietnamese and Hmong to English – to community based tourism experts. They are leading community discussions, acting as homestay consultants, and delivering training to THEIR communities, neighbours, friends and family.

Lyly, Chai, Zu, Za, and La, from the entire CBT Vietnam team from Capilano University and Hanoi Open University, thank you for your support. Your enthusiasm and spirit have been instrumental over the past week.

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