A magical curse: Zaw Shine Htet celebrates the start of filming in Yangon!

A magical curse: Zaw Shine Htet celebrates the start of filming in Yangon!

The opening ceremony of the film “Achit Kyainsar” (The Love Curse) took place on September 14, 2025. The venue for this festive event was the Kyaikkasan Pagoda in Thingangyun Township, Yangon Region. Zaw Shine Htet, the lead actor, was overjoyed about his first leading role. He emphasized the emotional connection to the story and the curse's central line: "Because I love you too much, may we be separated in every life to come." Aside from Zaw Shine Htet, the cast also includes May Thu Htun, who wrote the script, and director Min Sanay, who works for Verden Production.

The premiere comes at a critical time for the Myanmar film industry, which is under pressure from an increasingly repressive military government. As a result of these developments, the country's Motion Picture Law was amended, increasing the maximum prison sentences for distributing or showing films without authorization to up to three years. Previously, penalties included one year in prison and a fine of 100,000 kyats (about $50). This increase of up to 2 million kyats (about US$950) shows the growing severity of the repression against creatives in Myanmar, which is driving many film producers to flee as they see the changing environment as a threat. Further restrictions and unclear guidelines promote a climate of self-censorship in the industry.

The challenges in the film business

As the RFA platform reports, the military junta has increased the pressure on filmmakers to control the narrative and stifle any resistance through new regulations. Many well-known filmmakers, like Na Gyi, who has a "zero involvement, zero engagement" policy toward the military government, have left the country to pursue their art independent of the repressive control. Na Gyi sharply criticized the junta, describing it as a “band of murderers.” In his absence, he completed several projects in a Thai border town that would have been impossible in Myanmar.

These repressive measures have not only made production conditions in Myanmar more difficult, but also the ability to gain international recognition. The dependent film approval practice maintains the image of Myanmar films abroad and ensures that only a few productions enter the international stage.

Creativity in exile

Despite the adverse circumstances, the independent film scene in Myanmar continues to thrive and takes on political and social issues. Na Gyi and his team have supported around 100 artists living in exile at a place they have called the Artists’ Shelter. According to her, the new legislation will put even more pressure on the film industry, which could lead to a decrease in authentic narratives. Filmmakers may need to stay away from sensitive topics to escape the strict requirements of censorship.

Amid these challenges, Maple Bookstore in Yangon was closed for allegedly publishing obscene books. This fits into the overall strategy of military rule, with over 30 publications and media outlets banned since the coup to maintain control over the flow of information in the country.

With the premiere of “Achit Kyainsar,” it becomes clear how important filmmaking is in Myanmar, not only as an art form but also as a tool for telling stories that defy current political trends. Despite all the adversities, many hope that the situation will soon improve and a safer space for artistic expression can emerge. The passion for film art remains, and the connection to Myanmar remains unbroken.