Pulitzer Center Update

Documentary Film Project on UXO in Laos Seeks More Funding

As the production of the documentary "This Little Land of Mines" enters its second phase of filming, producer and director Erin McGoff, 2017 American University student fellow, is looking for support from viewers who want to see the development of the full-length documentary.

McGoff launched an Indiegogo campaign in June 2018. Take a look and hear a video appeal from McGoff.

You may also contribute to the project through the Independent Filmmaker Project.

“This Little Land of Mines” documents the resilience of the Lao people as they work to remove unexploded ordnance left behind by the United States during the Vietnam War. The U.S. dropped 270 million bombs over Laos during a nine-year covert operation by the C.I.A–more than any other country in the world. Some 80 million of those bombs remain in the ground, making the threat of explosion a daily possibility. However, the Lao people display incredible strength, living with the harsh reality while working hard to make their land safe.

McGoff is working with a team of talented photographers, videographers, and storytellers to bring the documentary to fruition. Their first round of production, sponsored in part by the Pulitzer Center, resulted in an extremely promising sizzle reel, shown above. As McGoff and her team gear up for the second round of production, they need extra support.

View McGoff's student fellowship project for more information on her reporting.