Saffron Robe

The documentary "Saffron Robe" explores the life of a respected Buddhist abbot in the remote northern region of Laos as he faces the challenges of living a sacred life under a communist regime.

Abbot Onekeo, a visionary spiritual leader, breaks tradition by founding a new school for impoverished and undereducated children in the country. However, something unique is happening at this school situated in a misty forest. The abbot, along with his fellow saffron-robed monks and young novices, is dedicated to reviving ancient Lao Theravada Buddhist practices and education that were nearly lost to history.

The Vietnam War left numerous scars, but one largely unknown in the West is the enduring revolution in the small yet significant country of Laos, where the U.S. conducted its “Secret War.” After the war, while America and much of Southeast Asia progressed, the people of Laos underwent a profound transformation. Among the most affected were the revered Theravada Buddhist monks, who were once the country's spiritual leaders and top educators. Many were forced to abandon their temples and return to the rice fields to survive. Yet, Buddhism remained a central part of Laos's spiritual and cultural identity. Through the eyes of the young novices at the abbot's school, "Saffron Robe" takes us to a secluded area along the Mekong River. Here, boys from the country's most remote mountain villages strive with youthful courage and wisdom to obtain an education otherwise beyond their reach. In addition to a full day of basic education, they learn the centuries-old traditions of Theravada Buddhism, almost lost to war and revolution, while adhering to the strict rules of monastic life. The novices balance between a generational past of subsistence farming and the hope for a brighter future, carrying not only their own aspirations but also those of their families who place their collective dreams on their sons' shoulders.

On the surface, this story is about breaking the cycle of poverty and ignorance through education. Many of the school's students will eventually leave monastic life to become educators or professionals, earning an income to support their families. However, the abbot believes the novices’ journey is about much more. "Saffron Robe" follows the abbot’s vision to preserve the traditions and wisdom of a rich culture against the pressures of a modern world by passing this heritage on to future generations.

Jane Centofante started her career as an editor at several publications, such as California magazine, before moving into freelance editing and research with a focus on non-fiction. Her projects have encompassed books on current events and biographies, including those of Dian Fossey and Bob Hope. Alongside her editorial pursuits, she oversees Boardwalk Press, a small independent publishing company dedicated to travel and gift books. A life-changing trip to Laos motivated her transition from an inquisitive traveler to an independent documentary filmmaker. "Saffron Robe" is her first documentary. She lives in Los Angeles.