Myanmar's Failing Film Industry

April.5.2013

 

Photo courtesy of globalpost.com

Written by Nikki Shaver 

Attempting to move creative and truly sincere and convincing movies past the established order in Myanmar is a problem for a lot of the filmmakers living there. For decades past, many types of open demonstrations had been closely controlled and the dramatic arts did not have immunity. Recently, if someone were to have the desire to make a movie, they have to give the script to the Censorship Board. Before any filming starts, and throughout, every shot is scrutinized by the Censorship Board for stealthy or underhanded political meanings or inferences.

The first movie studio in Myanmar (previously known as Burma) was called the Burma Film Company.  It began nearly a century ago. The first film it successfully produced was all about the dangers of drinking booze and gambling money. It was a big hit even though it was only filmed using a single camera angle. For a long time they had a fairly successful industry, however, decades of suppressive military establishment, censorship and film gear shortages, had Myanmar's previously honored film industry in trouble.

Now, the Censorship Board is calming down and international uproar against the military rule is slowing after supposedly democratic elections that happened last year; however, fixing an industry that hasn’t seen any success in about six decades won’t be an easy deed. In 2012, "Titanic 3-D" was played in the theatres of Myanmar. It was the first American film shown in almost decade. The Myanmar markets are full to the brim with pirated American DVDs.

Can the industry return to its previously successful state? That remains to be seen. Only when the people feel truly free from the watchful eyes of the government will they be able to create powerful and meaningful films once again. 

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