9 February

The opening ceremony of the Myanmar Motion Picture Museum was held at Myanmar Motion Picture Association (MMPA) on Wingaba Road in Yangon at 1 pm yesterday.

Union Minister for Information Dr Pe Myint delivered the keynote speech. In his address, the Union Minister expressed pleasure and honour for opening the museum. He said a museum is an interesting place which collectively and systematically showcases the history of individuals and the country. It is a place where the historical traditions are preserved and valued. Besides, visitors will also find it interesting and valuable. Every library of township-level Information and Public Relations Department office has a mini-museum which displays the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of the ethnic peoples of the respective places with the aim of arousing the youth awareness of the importance of cultural heritage.

Keeping and displaying the cherished items, crafts and symbols is a valuable work as they have the power to arouse the spirit of visitors, apart from providing knowledge. Internationally, a museum serves as a place where history and uniqueness of a race are preserved and displayed, and encourages others to do the same. It is a place where lessons can be taken and knowledge can be gained. It gives the sense of valuing historical objects.

The Union Minister said the museum exhibits the founders and brilliant persons including performers, directors, cinematographers and technicians of the Myanmar movie industry all along with the 100-year history. It shows the best performances of the respective periods. He then thanked and cheered the patrons of MMPA, the chair, executive committee members, technicians and donors for the museum to become a reality.

Chief Minister of Yangon Region U Phyo Min Thein in his speech spoke of the need to enhance the public awareness of the museum and the cultural heritage. Arrangements should be made for the museum to become a public place. Further efforts should be made for the museum to stand as a milestone of the 100th anniversary of the Myanmar movie industry, apart from serving as a tourist attraction and a symbol of Yangon. He said the regional government will seek means to provide assistance.

MMPA Chairman U Nyi Nyi Tun then gave a speech.

Afterwards, Union Minister Dr. Pe Myint, Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein and party formally opened the museum.

Before the ceremony, Maha and Bella company presented K 10 million for holding the centenary of the motion picture industry.

MMPA first opened the museum in 1998. After a major renovation of the building, the museum now houses silver jubilee exhibition, golden jubilee exhibition, diamond jubilee exhibition, centenary exhibition, technical exhibition, award exhibition, special effect and animation exhibition. It will open from 9 am to 4 pm on weekends and public holidays.—MNA (Translated by TMT)