‘The Way’ is a short musical film shot on mobile phones directed by Lynn Lynn, an anti-military artist and activist. The film won Best Mobile Phone Feature Film at the Cannes World Film Festival, as well as three awards at Festigous, a film competition promoting independent film makers (Best musical, Best First Time Director and Best Song). It also won awards at the World Film Carnival-Singapore for Narrative Feature, Best Film Score-Soundtrack and Mobile Film.

In 2021 a military coup deposed the elected government and the people of Myanmar have been subjected to a brutal repression resulting in over 6000 deaths, mass displacement of nearly 1.5 million people (UNHCR), as well as widespread imprisonment and torture. Lynn Lynn and Chit Thu Wai are the subject of arrest warrants because of their opposition to the coup and have since been active in the revolution against the regime making films and fundraising.

Lynn Lynn says “This film is the beauty of artists from a small country that values democracy. All those who participated in this film are still on the run at the border of Thailand because of the arrests and killings by the Burmese dictators….No dictator can stop my art.’

Since October 27th, ethnic armed groups and other resistance have launched joint operations in the north, now spreading to many parts of the country and the military is in retreat. Yet, in some quarters, foreign governments are still expecting ‘peace talks’ with the army to resolve the situation. As this film makes clear, the people of Myanmar have been sacrificing their lives for a different future, free from military rule. Are they more likely to achieve this without international ‘help’?

Burmese street food will be available before the screening and the film will be followed by a Q&A. Money raised will go to Burmese groups providing medical support and support for internally displaced people.

7pm – doors with chance to buy Burmese food

8pm – screening

9.15pm – Q & A

Trailer

With Myanmar is a locally organised Facebook group that aims to support Burmese people in their struggle against the junta through sharing information and raising awareness. www.facebook.com/groups/449747049673505

For more information on ‘The Way’ and its makers go to: https://www.facebook.com/thewaymusicalfilm