Naypyidaw’s Oscar Event

This year’s Burmese version of the US Academy Awards was held for the second consecutive year in Burma’s new capital, Naypyidaw.
A topical film about people living with HIV, “Hmyaw Lint Gyin Myar Swar” (“With Much Hope”), won the prize for best Burmese picture at the colorful event, while its director, Maung Myo Min (Yin Twin Phyit), won the best director award.
Nandar Hlaing won the best actress award and Yan Aung was chosen best actor.
In a speech at the awards ceremony, Information Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan called for the adoption of digital filmmaking in order to penetrate lucrative foreign markets.
However, critics point out that Burma’s film industry is in the doldrums, with very few profitable films, cinemas struggling to survive and artistic standards at an all-time low.