Burma’s independence day in January next year will be marked with the launch of the 'Art of Freedom Film Festival', organised by two of the country’s leading pro-democracy luminaries, opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and comedian Zarganar.
“The main theme is the idea that art can be created only when there is freedom, and film makers are to define freedom in their piece in whichever way they see it,” told Zarganar.
He added that a number of entries were also likely to focus on the day Burma achieved independence after nearly a century of British rule. “Our main focus is about freedom and it doesn’t matter if they talk about history or not” . Also helping to organise the festival is former award-winning Burmese actor and director Kyaw Thu, whom since being banished from the film world has headed the highly-praised Free Funeral Service Society. The three will be joined by fellow film director Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi.
Zarganar said he will be entering his own film focusing on the life of Thiri Thudhamma Khin Kyi, the wife of Burmese independence hero General Aung San and mother of Suu Kyi.
2011.10.28 DVB-kyi-zarganar-to-host-film-festival
2011.10.31 Mizzima Photo Essay Burmese comedian Zarganar, aka Thura, one of the organizers of The Art of Freedom film festival, answers questions at a press conference on Monday, October 31, 2011. The festival will honour political prisoners. Zarganar, who was released from Myitkyina Prison on October 12, said the film festival is the outcome of a meeting he had with Aung San Suu Kyi, who suggested the idea.