A compilation of short films by young, anonymous Burmese filmmakers, Myanmar Diaries combines archival footage, found footage, and experimental dramatizations to make a political plea to the world. Many know the now-infamous footage captured by a dancercise instructor outside the halls of parliament: As she performs her routine for the camera, a military caravan barges through a police blockade leading to the Myanmar parliament.
The violence of the military coup d'état broke out soon thereafter as the military junta ordered a state of emergency and a night-long curfew. Political enemies of the junta and those allegedly breaking curfew are hauled away violently by the police, many never to be seen again. This brutal documentary uses raw footage of police brutality alongside dramatic elements to make a plea to the rest of the world: “Help us save our democracy.”
This unique piece of guerrilla filmmaking tells an important story. Many of us remember hearing the first news of the coup in Myanmar, but many have tuned out over the years. Myanmar Diaries allows a handful of anonymous filmmakers to criticize the military dictatorship they now live under. The film itself is a bit disturbing and includes a number of pieces of archival and found footage that show people being horribly beaten or shot and killed by police. The dramatic elements can be overwhelming for some, showing depictions and imagery of self-harm, suicide, and murder. Those who can handle the bloodstained content will find a fantastic collection of short films.
Each tells the story of a notable actor in the coup or dramatizes the days leading up to the death or police capture of the subjects of archival and found footage used in the film. For those unaware of the details or main actors of the coup, it can be a bit difficult to tell where the drama ends and the documentary footage begins. College courses covering the Myanmar 2021 coup may want to use segments of this film as supplementary material, and film instructors will be interested in this fantastic collection of guerilla films. Highly Recommended.
Where does this title belong on public library shelves?
This work of guerilla film belongs alongside political documentaries and documentaries about police brutality.
What sort of college instructors would use this title?
Myanmar Diaries would be most interesting to those teaching Southeast Asian culture and recent history.
What is the retail price and/or Public Performance License fee?
DVD with Public Performance License fee: $348
Myanmar Diaries is available for previewing and streaming on Docuseek2.