Film on the history of Tatmadaw

by May Kyaw
Monday, 10 August 2009 21:07

Chiang Mai (Mizzima) – Filming of a propaganda epic on the Tatmadaw’s (Burmese Army) history called ‘Kye Sin Maw Gun’ (Epic of the Stars) from ‘Thirty Comrades’ during the independence struggle till the current military regime, has been started by ‘Moe San Pan’ Co.

Retired Captain and writer Tin Aung Soe (Pan Myo Daw) has written the story while Nyein Min has written the screenplay. The director, Soe Moe started production of the film early this month.

“We have started shooting some scenes of the film. Moe San Pan Co. is producing the film and it will be released in a box office show. The production of the film will take one or one and-a-half years. The total budget is yet to be estimated,” Soe Moe told Mizzima.

Writing of the screenplay has almost been completed and only some battle scenes are needed to be finished. The production of the film was planned two years ago.

“Since it is the history of the Tatmadaw, the role and scenes of Bogyoke Aung San has to be included,” screenplay writer Nyein Min said.

The story is based on history starting from Thirty Comrades led by Bogyoke (Maj. Gen.) Aung San to the current military ruler Senior Gen. Than Shwe. The historical facts are drawn from documents, history books and interviews with those who took part in the early history. All these facts are being dramatized for production of the film.

“We gathered facts from history books and many consultants who took part and witnessed the early history of BIA (Burma Independence Army), BDA (Burma Defence Army) and subsequent periods besides documentary evidence of books and photographs,” Soe Moe said.

Writer Tin Aung Soe, who twice won the Tatmadaw Day story contest wrote the story exclusively for the film, not for publishing as a novel.

It is learnt that they need to present the story to the censor board and the army for their approval.

“Yes, this film is propaganda on the government’s policy. But again it is not only a policy movie, it’s also an epic film on state building,” Soe Moe said.

The film will be released not later than 2010. The required army equipments, arms and ammunitions will be provided by the Tatmadaw Historical Museum.

The high budget film is Moe San Pan Production’s debut production.

Those starring in the film are Lu Min, Nay Toe, Way Lu Kyaw, Tun Tun, Thu Htoo San, Pan Phyu, Tint Tint Tun, Eindra Kyaw Zin and Thet Mon Myint.