About

Thailand is perhaps one of today’s most culturally misrepresented countries by mainstream western media. Stories about Thailand range from depictions of stark poverty, human trafficking, child prostitution and Bangkok’s massive sex industry to tales of all-night full moon parties, pristine islands, and a utopian lifestyle for tourists and expats. Beneath these stereotypes, pulses the heartbeat of genuine and complex people, coping with the rapid development of their country.

A documentary feature film directed by Marvin Blunte, 6 Weeks to Mother’s Day paints an intimate portrait of true Thai culture by exploring one of its most progressive schools, Moo Baan Dek, known in english as the Children’s Village School.  Home to some of Thailand’s most underprivileged children, the Children’s Village has become a pillar in the Thai education system and a promising symbol of the country’s future.

Located in a remote jungle village in Kanchanaburi province, this fascinating democratic school provides a strikingly unique form of education to approximately 150 students who reside at and attend the school.  In addition to being provided free education, food and living accommodations, the students of Children’s Village learn to love themselves, their culture, and their land.   Children’s Village is a place where the students experience a world filled with acceptance, understanding, and freedom.  Although the children sleep twelve to a room, have no hot water, and limited electricity, life at Children’s Village is not that of poverty, but rather of empowerment.6 Weeks to Mother’s Day follows the students as they learn, work, create and play while preparing a special celebration to honor the school’s founder and person they refer to as “Mother”, Rajani Dhongchai, on what will be her 35th Mother’s Day at the school. Prepare to witness a rare slice of Thai culture as seen through the eyes of some of its most forward thinking children