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New Myanmar filmmakers shoot to rekindle golden years

Director Christina Kyi explains a scene during filming in Yangon, where a new generation of directors are trying to revive the movie industry (AFP Photo/Ye Aung THU)

A deadly race to find hidden treasure, car chases and slick fight scenes drive the breakneck narrative of one of Myanmar's latest blockbusters, as a new generation of directors aim to revive the country's golden era of film.

The Southeast Asian nation used to be a regional cinematic hub before the 1962-installed military junta suppressed creativity, imposed censorship and cut the country off from outside influences.

Myanmar's opening up since 2011 has so far done little to propel its movie industry -- which is preparing to mark its century next year -- onto the international stage.

"The film industry is like the country -- after 100 years, it's not in good shape," says Grace Swe Zin Htaik, 66, who has worked in the business for decades as an actress and consultant.

Foreign distributors remain unmoved by its movies, often churned out to hackneyed formulae with low production costs and over-acting that many find toe-curling.

A handful of young directors, however, are seeking to raise the bar -- using skills and know-how picked up overseas.

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New Myanmar filmmakers shoot to rekindle golden years

AFP News Agency

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