as between men and women. The parade ends at the temple and the rockets are carried to the communal launch-pad for joining a contest at the outskirt of the village. Contestants are divided into groups based on the size of their rocket. The competition begins with the firing of the rockets skywards in the applause of the joyful crowd. For each rocket category, scores are given based on how high and far the rocket flies. The higher and farther a rocket goes, the bigger the score and praise for its builder. Builders of failed rockets are thrown in a muddy pond and forced to drink Lao rice alcohol or Lao-Lao (). Prizes are also given to categories for the most beautiful decoration and the best entertaining performance. In most of Laos, the festival remains largely a community affair that brings people from different villages. It promotes unity and friendship within and among village communities and helps maintain their close relationships. Bun Bang Fai is celebrated in all provinces across Laos, with Luang Prabang, Xieng Khuang, Savanakhet, and villages around the capital city Vientiane being the sites for the biggest celebrations. Another popular Bun Bang Fai is celebrated at the outskirt of Vang Vieng, a resort town with its stunning surrounding limestone mountains that attracts many visitors from nearby villages and the capital Vientiane. In 2013, the Vangvieng's Bun Bang Fai was featured in the movie in Lao language “The Rocket (2013 film)”. In the film, a young boy named Ahlo wanted to enter the rocket making contest hoping to win a big cash prize and to prove once and for all he's not cursed. The movie received praises and prizes at several international film festivals. Lao Bun Bang Fai in the United States and in France Following the end of the Vietnam war in 1975 and the change of government regime in Laos, tens of thousands of Lao people left the country as refugees who resettled in other countries, most of them in the United States and in France. In their newly adopted countries, they formed Lao communities and built Lao buddhist temples () to serve as community and cultural centers. Traditional Lao holidays such as Lao New Year and Bun Bang Fai are celebrated in addition to the official host countries’ holidays. In France, Bun Bang Fai is celebrated in Paris, Marseille, Lille, Strasbourg, Montpellier, and other cities that