Ker (H’mông)
2020 11m 4K 1.85
Heritage Shorts #7
In the seventh of a new series of short films from Heritage Centre Sapa in association with Open Cinematic, we meet Lý Thị Cở (Ker) in the forests of Lào Cai province. Foraging for wild food requires knowledge passed down from generation to generation. In a country where farming traditions are proudly practised, communities have also begun to express the importance of wild harvesting.
Foraging stimulates new growth and edible food can be found throughout the year. Two plants commonly foraged by the H’mông in Sapa are bamboo and ferns. The shoots of several species of bamboo have been harvested for consumption by the H’mông for centuries. The shoots are defoliated and soaked in water before being boiled or fried.
In early spring, young ferns produce furled fronds that can be found in shaded or wet areas. The fronds are cooked and eaten as a vegetable.
Vietnam is home to 270 species of frogs and toads. In autumn, giant tadpoles are abundant in forest streams. Prepared as a salty broth with fresh herbs, tadpoles provide an affordable and sustainable source of protein.
Screenings
Xinê Xem Shorts (Hanoi), Vietnam - 20/08/22
