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More than 7,000 voters crowned the film Cut this Scene at the Art of Freedom film festival in Rangoon on Wednesday night.

54 films were shortlisted by judges from a total of 188 entrants. Prizes were presented by opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Prize money for the winners was 1 million kyat each (about US$ 1,200). Three winning films will compete in an international film festival and receive $5,000 for expenses, provided by German film directors and supporters. 20 film directors have been invited to a workshop to be held at American Centre in Rangoon on January 15-29.

Rope directed by Min Thike won the “Best Short Film” award, Freedom and Unity, directed by Zaw Bo Bo Hein, won the “Best Animation” award, Still in the Dark directed by 19-year old director Aung Zaw Moe, won the “New and Youngest Film Director” award, Click in Fear directed by Sai Kyaw Khaing, won the “Best Documentary” award, and Waing’s Cut this Scene won the “Audience’s Choice” award. Inside a conference hall, thousands had gathered to watch a series of politically charged films that provoked gasps and applause from an audience not used to open defiance of Burma's strict censorship laws. A banner read : "Free Art, free thought, freedom."

The event was organized by film directors, artists and the comedian Zarganar, who is due to meet with British Foreign Secretary William Hague, who is in Burma this week. “This is free expression,” Zarganar said. “This is a step in the right direction. And we are not afraid. We are never afraid.”

Min Thai Ke, the winner of the best short film for his depiction of the plight of the poor and political prisoners, said Burma was living "through a very fragile time" but that he too was not afraid.

The Art of Freedom film festival was a first in Burma, pushing the limits of expression, and screening a wide range of films that were uncensored and critical of the former military regime that ruled the country for decades before recent elections, which created a Parliament.

“Five First Prize awarded Arts of Free Film Festival Movies and Five Second Winner Movies would show at Singapore and Hong Kong,” said Zarganar. Shows may be on 21st, 22nd in Singapore; 26th, 27th in Hong Kong was arranged, Moreover Winners may be sent abroad to study, said a responsible person.

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