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

Don't miss the launch of this very special Tasmania-meets-Mekong music documentary filmmaking project.