It is about an immigrant from Laos living in New York. The film centres on the families flight from Laos after the United States Secret War in Laos and the difficulty of assimilating into American life. Cultural obstacles encountered are presented through the medium of the break-up of the narrators' family, culminating in the death of a family member linked to gang warfare.

The Betrayal won the Spectrum Award at the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival (2008). In 2009, The Betrayal – Nerakhoon was Nominated for an Oscar at the 81st Academy Awards for Best Documentary Features. Also in 2009, The Betrayal was nominated for an Independent Spirit Awards.