The Myanmar Motion Picture Organization was established on 8 March 1946, and it has been representing the film industry of Myanmar to date. It was set up as the Motion Pictures and Play Organization in 1946, renamed as Motion Pictures Council in 1962, the Motion Pictures Committee in 1974 and the Myanmar Motion Pictures Organization in 1989. The organization reaches its 7th anniversary on 8 March 2025.
The Myanmar Motion Pictures Organization grandly held ceremonies marking the silver jubilee from 1946 to 1969, the golden jubilee from 1963 to 1993, the diamond jubilee from 1993 to 2019 and the 100th-anniversary event from 2019 to 2021.
The 79th anniversary of the Myanmar Motion Pictures Organization will he held at the organization in Yangon soon. The film ‘Nga Ba’, digitized by China, will be screened at the event. On 9 March, the six 2024 Academy Award-winning films will also be screened at the STAR Cinema (Public Access Media Centre) in Yankin township, commemorating the 79th anniversary. Here is an interview with the officials of the organization.
U Kyi Soe Tun (Chairman of Myanmar Motion Pictures Organization)
The Myanmar Motion Pictures Organization will mark its 80th anniversary in the coming year. It marks the 79th anniversary on 8 March this year. We hope for its continued strength and sustainability in the coming years. The anniversary celebration of the current film industry members is to honour the organization established by our seniors. I want the members to remember that the MMPO benefits the members, and the members also benefit the MMPO. This event aims to highlight it.
The MMPO grants a pension to the seniors and holds the respect-paying ceremony. The reserve fund is also kept to provide for those facing difficulties. The 79th anniversary, which can also be called Film Day, is held to keep holding the film days and ensure the longevity of the film in coming years.
We also have huge expectations for new generations. It is high time we retired. Our ideas, opinions and attitudes are not refreshed. Therefore, we make efforts to substitute middle-aged artistes to ensure the sustainability of the organization and cooperate with youths who are familiar with modern technology. We don’t have certain achievements from such doings. But we get a chance to show gratitude. Like the sermon delivered by Mingun Sayadaw, “Don’t want anything”, I also don’t want anything. I am very satisfied as I have had a chance to a debt of gratitude to the Myanmar film industry.
U Zaw Myint Oo (MMPO Secretary)
We arranged something unique for the 79th anniversary of MMPO on 8 March. We prepare for talk shows, funfair and food stalls. It also includes meeting with great senior artistes and modern young artistes. We will screen the Nga Ba’ film. In the past, some of the Myanmar films were sold to Russia, China, Germany and England. They placed them at their museums, and when we asked for them, they digitized the film, and China helped us digitize the “Nga Ba” film. Now, we also have the ‘Thu Chit’ movie. Moreover, Russia supported ‘Chit Pan Thazin’, and we have to take time to transfer the language from Russian to Myanmar. It cannot be completed on the ceremony day, but we will show the audience later. Daw Myint Myint Khin starred in that movie, and we want to screen it. But we need time to translate, so we will screen the “Nga Ba” film.
Marking the 79th anniversary of the organization, the 2024 Academy award-winning films such as Bodaw Kin, Chit Thu Thar Pan Ta Pwint Phyit Khae Hlin, Mee, Hnaung, Eain Mat Kar Yan and Tain Pachi will be screened at the STAR Cinema at Myawady Centre in Moe Kaung street of Yankin from 9 to 29 March — two films once a week. Those who love Myanma films can support us. We will show quality films. The organization made efforts for the convenience of film industry members so the films can be screened, and they can also resume their industry now. We arrange the best events so that the film industry members can meet happily.
In line with the motto “Film is for People”, the unity of artistes and good tradition in supporting the country are historical proofs. The government also provides the needed assistance to the artistes under the guidance of the Head of the State.
— Nyein Thu (MNA)/KTZH
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