Union Minister for Information Dr Pe Myint spoke about the future direction of Myanmar film industry at the Digital Platforms and Future Direction of Myanmar’s Film Industry Webinar yesterday.

Committee on Establishment of Myanmar Digital Media Association organized the virtual seminar participated in by Union Minister for Information Dr Pe Myint, the ministry’s departmental officials, the committee’s chairman U Thaung Su Nyein, deputy chairpersons U Ko Ko (RIT) and Daw Nang Clyar Win and committee members, panellists, media persons and invited guests.

Speaking at the meeting, the Union Minister said that the industries impacted by coronavirus included the film industry that covers from shooting to production and from producers to consumers, saying that the matters relating to the change and direction of the film industry would be discussed.

He added that changing trends of digital technology has impacted all industries, including the film industry, especially the media industry.

There are two major changes – one caused by changing technology and another caused by coronavirus pandemic. Despite challenges and difficulties being experienced, they can be transformed into opportunities, he said.

He further said that the answer to the question “what is the future direction of the film industry?” was a digital trend.

It is important to think about the whole industry from scriptwriting to film screening, he added, saying that the film industry in Myanmar would be fast changed into digitalization because of coronavirus.

Chairman of the Committee on Establishment of Myanmar Digital Media Association U Thaung Su Nyein made greeting remarks.

Chairman of the Myanmar Motion Picture Organization U Nyi Nyi Tun Lwin made remarks, and member of the administration board of the Film Development Centre (Yangon) Daw Swe Zin Htike discussed the title “Beyond the transformation into OTT platform (Over-the-top) from DTT (Digital Terrestrial Television).”

A panel discussion titled “Digital Platforms and Future Direction of Myanmar’s Film Industry” was held.

Secretary of the Committee on Establishment of Myanmar Digital Media Association U Min Swe Hlaing moderated the panel discussion participated in by panellists singer and actor Sai Sai Kham Leng, actor and director Ko Pauk (U Aung Min Naing), Red Radiance Company Executive Director U Myo Min and ABC Content solutions CEO U Win Khine.

The panel discussion talked about the effective use of online platforms for Myanmar’s film industry development.

Sai Sai Kham Leng shared the experiences of using digital platforms in meeting with fans, and production for the traditional platform after thinking about the differences between normal platforms and digital platforms in making contents.

Actor and director Ko Pauk discussed the achievements in creating contents via Facebook and TikTok platforms and shared experiences on production opportunities of using digital platforms.

Red Radiance Company Director U Myo Min talked about data security for creating contents via digital platforms, development of digital cinema and digital technology awareness programmes and the importance of learning.

ABC Content solutions CEO U Win Khine spoke about the strengths and weaknesses of online streaming movies and film piracy and legal actions against piracy.

Acting Director-General of Information and Public Relations Department U Aye Kywe, Myanma Radio and Television Director-General U Ye Naing and Committee on Establishment of Myanmar Digital Media Association Vice-Chair U Ko Ko (RIT) replied to the questions raised by the attendees.

MNA (Translated by Kyaw Zin Tun)