Directors Jeanne Hallacy and Rares Michael Ghilezain take viewers to the embattled country of Myanmar for their film Padauk: Myanmar Spring. It is a riveting tale of conflict, hope, and activism.
One character the film focuses on is first-time protestor Nant. Along with various human rights activists, we see throughout the film's fifty-six minutes Nant’s political awakening. She realizes the truth of her country’s brutal rule, one that has waged a vicious war against its own citizens for years. Nant, now safe living in the US, discusses how Myanmar pulled a veil over its people through violence and propaganda.
Another character we see is Zaw, a teacher-turned-activist. A self-proclaimed member of “Gen Z,” Zaw and her fellow citizens realized they were the final generation to rise against the military and fight for their rights as a people. Zaw details decades of oppression. His grandparents floundered against General Ne Win. His parents buckled under the rule of Than Shwe. The current enemy is General Min Aung Hlaing. It is this generational struggle that paints the picture of this stunning documentary.
Poetry and art are interspersed throughout the film to beautiful effect. You’re left to realize the enormity of the situation in the country, and how much people like Nant and Zaw have to fight for. The film would work for political science and international relations students as well as those studying Asian history.