20  May

Hundreds of photographers are participating in a photo contest organized by the Ministry of Information, and assisted by the Myanmar Photographer Association. “The participation of relevant ministries should be sought out to reflect the significant developments of Myanmar through photography,” suggested Union Minister for Information Dr Pe Myint, during his meeting with the judges for the photo contest in Yangon yesterday.

Judges of the colour photo contest, held under the motto “Cheerful Ethnic Traditional Festival”, reported to the Union Minister on the aim of the contest, the judging process and criteria, the increase in prize money and the awards ceremony. The Union Minister then observed a sample of 100 photos from among the entries. As regards the appraisal of the photos, Deputy Director General of Information and Public Relations Department Daw Thida Tin said, “Cheerful Ethnic Traditional Festival” is the first photo contest of its kind in the country. Actually, it is a documentary about Myanmar ethnics and observing their traditional festivals. The panel of judges has ten members – three from the Ministry of Information and seven from the Myanmar Photographer Association (MPA). The judges have selected photos based on their power to express the happiness and seriousness of the ethnic peoples in holding their traditional festivals, or the amity between the ethnic peoples or the whole picture of the festivals, for the awards. Eight awards, including the first, the second and the third prizes and the consolation prizes will be presented.”

Regarding the contest, Bagyi Soe Moe, a film director and a member of the panel of judges, said, “I have been a judge at every photo contest held by the IPRD. This contest, in fact, is a collection of photos expressing the traditional festivals. As a judge, I have to check whether an entry reflects the motto, whether its lighting and print quality are good, and whether the pictures are clear. As there are judges, the photo that receives the highest marks will be the winner. On the whole, Myanmar photographers are becoming better than ever, and some of them have even won international awards. The Myanmar Photographer Association (MPA) is also conducting courses, and photography has become more and more popular among the youths.” The IPRD of the Ministry of Information is joining hands with the MPA for the development of photography in Myanmar, holding annual competitions at various times of the year under various themes. The contest “Cheerful Ethnic Traditional Festival” aims at presenting photos that encourage ethnic amity and unity, through highlighting their traditions, cultures and customs. Ten judges are evaluating the 729 entries sent by 206 photographers. The awards ceremony will be in mid-June. Afterwards, the Union Minister attended talks on “New Ideas and New Writings”, arranged by Myanmar Studies Group at the meeting hall of the Printing and Publishing Department, and took part in the open discussions, together with departmental officials, literati and artists, youth writers, and poets.—MNA (Translated by TMT)