AS films and documentaries serve as spotlights that illuminate the history, culture, and imagery of Myanmar, the Myanmar film industry embodies the nation’s spirit, just as traditional culture and history define the identity of the Myanmar people, said Union Minister for Information U Maung Maung Ohn on his inspection tour of the work process in conversion of films to digital works at the Film Archive on Sasana Yeiktha Road in Bahan Township yesterday.
He added that previously, due to the lack of digital preservation for these films, some movies and documentary footage were unfortunately lost or destroyed.
Since taking responsibility, the Union minister continued that the government has purchased film cleaning machines and film scanners to facilitate the conversion of film to digital format. At present, some movies and documentary films have been successfully converted to digital format, and further systematic efforts are needed to continue the process in accordance with the specified quality standards.
He urged all to oversee the digitization process of 12 black-and-white films, 154 colour films, and 2,781 documentary films preserved in the Film Archive, as well as to establish a national film archive that meets international standards for systematic preservation.
Director U Ye Lin Myint reported on conversion of Myanmar films and documentaries to the digital works.
The Union minister inspected maintenance of the 100-year-old Archive Film building and instructed officials to conduct the film professional course to produce human resources for development of Myanmar film industry.
The Union minister together with Chairman of Myanmar Motion Pictures Organization U Kyi Soe Tun also inspected the land plot chosen for construction of the National Film Archive Museum at the corner of Kaba Aye Pagoda Road and Okponseik Road.
At the meeting hall of the Myanmar Motion Pictures Promotion Branch of Information and Public Relations Department, the Union minister met with members of Myanmar Affairs and Myanmar Narrative Think Tank.
At the meeting, the Union minister noted that the Myanmar Affairs is organizing and publishing books on Myanmar affairs, global issues, and ethnic matters. These books feature a wide range of topics, including politics, economics, social issues, technology, the environment, and legal affairs. It is necessary to publish the books to be further developed to ensure its quality and completeness. The Ministry of Information is actively working to promote Myanmar’s positive image globally and ensure that Myanmar can adapt to the changing global dynamics. To do so, the Myanmar Narrative Think Tank has been established to carry out these tasks.
At present, the Union minister highlighted that research teams in relevant sectors are enhancing the image of the country. In so doing, it is necessary to work effectively to be able to penetrate into the international arena. In March 2025, he unveiled that an international forum with international experts will be held to discuss and explore ways to enhance the country’s image, as well as the challenges and opportunities that will be faced in 2025. During this forum, it is necessary to present the natural conditions of the country and expect to gain international cooperation that will positively impact our country.
Chairman of Myanmar Narrative Think Tank U Ko Ko and officials clarified preparations to hold the forum under the title of Challenges and Opportunities that Myanmar will face in the multi-polar world beyond 2025. — MNA/TTA
