The Mekong Connection • Filmmaking Fundraiser • Talk • Film Screenings • Art • Refreshments • Laos Cassette Launch

The Mekong Connection: Music Documentary Project Launches in Hobart 📍 The Hidden Theatre, Kickstart Arts, New Town, Hobart 📅 Friday 25 September | From 2:30pm About This Event A cassette tape of vintage Lao folk music has sparked one of Tasmania's most ambitious music documentary projects. The Mekong Connection launches at The Hidden Theatre, Kickstart Arts, New Town, from 2:30pm Friday 25 September. The project follows the Mekong River — and its music — from the Tibetan Plateau through six countries to the Mekong Delta, and on to Tasmania, culminating in a recording session at MONA's Frying Pan Studios. At the helm is Julien Poulson, writer/producer and founder of The Cambodian Space Project and Fish Island Community Arts Centre. Join us for an afternoon and evening of music, film, art, food and refreshments — featuring two acclaimed music documentaries. Program Event 1: Official Launch & Creative Conversation 2:30pm — Buena Vista Social Club (matinee) A celebrated documentary following Ry Cooder as he records with legendary Cuban musicians. A joyful film about music, memory and collaboration across borders. 5:00pm — Official Launch Cassette launch, art exhibition, music, food and refreshments. (Courtyard Space) 5:30pm — Mekong Connection Trailer & Introduction Producer Julien Poulson introduces the project. 5:40pm — Conversation with Twee Shaw & Kayla On Aqua Serenity, an illustrated book exploring Twee's lived experience as a refugee escaping Vietnam by boat, and the Tasmania–Mekong connection. Includes an invitation to support, collaborate or attend future activities. 6:00pm — Networking Art prints, Kayla's artwork, food and nibbles. Event 2: Film Screenings 6:15pm — Don't Think I've Forgotten (Cambodian music documentary) A powerful film tracing the lost golden age of Cambodian rock and the artists who survived the Khmer Rouge era. A story of music, resilience and cultural memory. 8:00pm — Intermission 8:30pm — Julien Poulson Producer Talk The Boat video with Paul Kelly, and photographs from The Mekong Connection — film work in development (20 mins). 8:45pm — Srey's School of Rock (mini documentary) A short film following The Boat / Paul Kelly and Cambodian Space Project story, spotlighting the next generation of Cambodian musicians. 9:00pm — Buena Vista Social Club 11:00pm — Close Event Details Date Friday 25 September Time From 2:30pm Venue The Hidden Theatre, Kickstart Arts Location New Town, Hobart, Tasmania Don't miss the launch of this very special Tasmania-meets-Mekong music documentary filmmaking project.