Films documenting poverty to be banned
(DVB)–Film directors in Rangoon allege that state-run Myanmar Film Production has told private producers not to make films about poverty, claiming they damage the nation’s global image.
A film director under condition of anonymity told DVB that the letter sent by MFP claims most of the Burmese films shown nowadays on cinemas were damaging to the country’s credibility.
Well-known and respected actor and charity worker Kyaw Thu said he was shocked by the news.
“I would just rather not make any films at a time like this with a lot of regulations and limitations,” he said.
“Films are supposed to reflect the closest of what is happening in the real life of the people.”
Myint Thein Pe, chair of Myanmar Motion Picture Association, said the claims were wrong.
“There is only a regulation to make the plots relevant and close to reality when portraying the poor, but the MFP has never stopped anyone from making these films,” he said.
Some film directors in Rangoon were speculating whether the new regulation will profit the owners of posh mansions in Rangoon, often used as scene locations in films about the rich.
Reporting by Naw Say Phaw
