World Refugee Day

Prayer of Peace will screen in Tokyo on June 20th, "World Refugee Day", at the UN's Refugee Film Festival.

on the ground Burma cyclone relief

photo: Delta Tears

If you are interested in helping with the relief efforts in Burma please see these sites:
World Vision: http://worldvision.org
Asia HeartBeat: http://asiaheartbeat.org

screening inside Burma

Here's a couple pictures the Free Burma Rangers sent me of a recent screening of Prayer of Peace inside Karen State. Many thanks to them for sharing it.

back from Burma

Returned last week from a third trip filming in Karen State. Things are deteriorating with more Burma Army camps and more villagers having to flee the nearby areas. But they continue to hold on and it seemed the villagers left are going to stay until the end, if/when it comes. This village was one of long term IDPs who left their home village over ten years ago. I asked why they didn't rebuild their ailing bamboo houses, as most were falling apart, (they usually rebuild them every couple years) they said because the Burma Army will only come and burn them again. This was not true for all the villages and IDPs I met, in fact many had rebuilt new homes and villages but one can't help get the feeling that the Burma Army will come again.

for the other

Another child from Nalico village, or that is where she ended up after running from the Burma Army. She is part of some 25,000 internally displaced people in northern Karen State, Burma, forced to flee their villages because of attacks of the Burma Army. The Burma Army attacks civilians with impunity in areas under the control of the resistance. The resistance Karen National Union still controls parts of Karen State with their Karen National Liberation Army. So where ever the KNU have control Burma's dictators use the Burma Army to suppress those areas. And one of the strategies is to severely oppress the civilian population. This is the reality. It is well documented by many groups and yet little is being done to stop it other than by the resistance groups which are greatly outnumbered. It is not a matter of the resistance leaving the areas, because they would be abandoning their people to the will of the Burma Army, and the areas currently under Burma Army control still suffer oppression by the Burma Army. For the most part the villagers support the KNU and do not want to be under the control of the Burma Army. While this is the short explanation I believe it's accurate. So what can be done? I urge people to find organizations who support the internally displaced people and support their work. There is no one organization, in fact there are many. I urge you to learn more about the situation and to stand with these people in your own way. Maybe volunteer with an organization that is helping or support their work in some way. If I can be of any help let me know. Thank you.

sleeping heart

I took this photo in a bamboo clinic in Mone Township. The white stub on the left is the end of a mans leg. The other legs are those of other wounded. The boy in the back was shot a few times by the Burma Army. It's no secret there is a war in Eastern Burma. Almost six decades of fighting and no end in sight. The resistance groups are hoping the SPDC will fall itself, the UN is sweet talking, the NGOs are complaining about donor fatigue, and all the while villagers are taking bullets and losing limbs. Is the heart asleep?

Pinheiro has a card?

On Saturday I went to Bangkok for a meeting with Paulo Pinheiro, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Burma. He returned from Rangoon and met with NGOs to discuss his reports and the situation. Not that much discussion came out. He basically said that he is writing his report and it will be released soon. Other than that he said he felt nothing had changed and that he owes the substance of his report to the NGOs for their efforts in documenting human rights abuses. It seems to me he is a good man with an impossible job. The UN tasked him with investigating and reporting on the situation within the good will of the SPDC. So what can come of that? But I think he's a good and clever man. I told him I admired his hard work, not his job. I look forward to his report. I gave him several FBR reports and videos, and Prayer of Peace.

the joke continues

Par Par Lay got released from prison in "fine spirits". Meanwhile the UN office in Rangoon is getting kicked out of the country for siding with the protesters. Read.

Par Par Lay

Back in the clink! I took this photo of Par Par Lay(middle) and his fellow Moustache Brothers in 2003 or 2004, can't recall off-hand. I was disappointed to hear he was re-arrested for being a comic voice of discontent in Burma. Read about it.

Boy from Nalico

I met this boy in Nalico village, a miserable IDP site that had wonderful people in it. I should rather say he met me, and enjoyed laughing at me and looking at my camera. I met his parents and they asked me to adopt him, to give him a better life... I was hardly in the position to do so and kindly found a way out of it. But I enjoyed his company, gave him what I could and remember him. I hope to see them again.

Karen standing

I've looked at this picture many times, I took it in Mone Township. He's a KNDO soldier, the KNDO is the first Karen army, after the KNU was formed they started the KNLA, but the KNDO still stands and they work together. When ever I see this picture, I remember the feeling I got from him. He didn't need us, he was gonna keep holding on regardless what happened. He was in it for his people. Many depict the Karen as kind of helpless, I even heard CNN call them "ragtag". They are wrong, if that was the case they wouldn't be able to hold back and army of hundreds of thousands with only a few thousand. They have committed men and villagers working together. And I seriously doubt they will give up.

ok, never give up?

"We understand that the political situation in Burma is dire. However, I must inform you that if accepted, your project will more than likely not be aired until at least 2010." - Public TV broadcaster regarding the possibility of airing "Prayer of Peace"

keeping at it

The FirstPost/NewsDeskSpecial is doing an excellent job:
http://www.newsdeskspecial.co.uk/burma/index.html
Thanks for keeping it up!

Harn Yawnghwe with Chinland Guardian

Can someone say something that makes good sense? Yes...

kind review

"And the simple step of a simple courageous man is not to partake in falsehood, not to support false actions ." These words of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, speak to the heart of this documentary... " Prayer of Peace, Relief & Resistance in Burma's War Zones". At a deeply profound level, it describes Monkey, the man this video follows through the jungle. Monkey is a Karen Pastor and an experienced FBR team leader who ministers to a people in great need. I consider myself blessed to have met such a person, let alone call him my friend. But Solzhenitsyns words also describe the independent film maker who made this movie. His work is beautiful and perhaps more uniquely, it is a gifted portrayal of the truth. In times of war and conflict, truth can be a hard line to find, let alone portray. But I believe this movie does just that with God given skill. I also know that it hasn't come easy. Both filmmaker and Monkey struggled and prayed over every second of this film. And it shows. For me, the last 5 minutes is some of the most inspiring art I have ever seen, anywhere. Watch the movie. If anyone is so moved, I might suggest a donation .. to underwrite more such videos in the future. It could be an investment worth ... even peace. -Dr. Mitch

the making of

I filmed “Prayer of Peace” over three months inside Karen State in 2006... but it really began in 2003 when the Free Burma Rangers approached me to help them put together a short film about the situation inside Burma and their part in it. From that time I have helped make a half dozen other films with the Free Burma Rangers. However, in this film I wanted to focus on characters within the situation and felt that if I was going to do this, I would need to shoot it myself. At first I was reluctant because of the dangers of being in the war zones, especially the idea of stepping on land mines. But after a few years I came to care more and more and became better friends with the Free Burma Rangers, especially Monkey, who became the focus of the film. In the end I decided I was going to have to take the risk and effort needed to capture what’s happening in the jungle hidden away from the world. So we have a film about relief workers caring for their people amid a human rights crisis in Karen State, Eastern Burma.

I spent two six-week trips with the Free Burma Rangers as they conducted relief missions in Karen State. I shot without trying to control any of the situations I was in. I never asked anyone to do anything for the camera, except interviews. I tried to keep my camera out of mind of everyone I filmed. I did this by being present, I interacted with subjects as much as possible and considered my work second. I came first to stand with them as a friend, not observer. I believe in their cause and while I didn’t exaggerate any aspect of the oppression of the Burma Army atrocities, you can certainly say I am sympathetic to the Karen. I was not objective in the process, but I believe I was truthful. I did research and painstaking translation to make sure I understood what people really meant and that I presented an honest story to the best of my ability.

After three months inside and over thirty hours of footage I started to edit without knowing exactly where the film would end up. The film is entirely chronological except for the three interviews, meaning that what happens in the film follows exactly how it happened on the trips I went on. Except that I cut in Day Htoo’s, Monkey’s and Saw Maung Hla Htoo’s interviews in different places for deeper understanding. I cut the film chronologically because I felt it would be more truthful. I wanted the film to be more than entertainment or propaganda. And while compressed and crafted, I tried to approach it as honest as I could, and I felt that chronology was key in this. I cut the film first to about one hour and then started working on the script. After I had a rough draft of the script, I had it translated into Karen language. For people to experience Karen State, I felt it should be in Karen, sight and sound. I wanted authenticity. Nothing I wrote in the script came only from me, it is what I learned from the Karen, their faces, heart, land, and also from the Free Burma Rangers. After translation by Pi Boo and others, I asked Monkey to rework the script into his own words, as he would say and feel it himself. This process took more time and discussion than one can imagine, but in the end I was pleased and felt like I didn’t write it at all. The three main interviews of Day Htoo, Monkey and Saw Maung Hla Htoo, each came from one-hour interviews done inside Karen State, all three locations had been attacked or were to be attacked within weeks.

The filming took place over three months and covered hundreds of miles on foot in Karen State, the editing took six months, but really it took several years to make the film. And it’s only 28 minutes long! I feel deeply grateful to the Karen for their hospitality and willingness to allow me to tell their story. It was a great honor to be in their homeland and I truly hope and pray for their freedom. I also am greatly indebted to the Free Burma Rangers for allowing me to work so closely with them. I wish to thank everyone who helped in making this film.

Sincerely,
Front Films

looking after each other

Another still I took inside Karen State. This was in an Internally Displaced Village somewhere in the middle of what seemed like nowhere. These children were looking after each other. I'm not sure where the parents were, probably looking for food. It was a desperate place, and I could leave. If the Burma Army came near they would run to another hiding area... and on and on it goes for them. I'm not sure what other people see but it reminds me these people exist in flesh and blood. They have hopes and want to live in peace... and the Burma Army is making life hell for a lot of people.

knowing only war

Last year I spent three months inside Karen State, Eastern Burma. Since leaving I suffer from what one might call survivors guilt, I'm haunted by memory. There are real people suffering under a dictatorship that would rather they be dead. They are a hunted people and like this boy I took a picture of, growing up knowing only war. I cannot do much about it, but together we can try. I urge you to do something on behalf of the people suffering in Burma. I propose three things: 1. Pray for Burma. 2. Support an organization of your choice that is doing something. Do research, find out who's doing something you can get on board with and help them do it. 3. You are a human with talent, use it some way to help. We're in this together. May God bless and keep you well.

I had high hopes and sleepless nights in the last weeks about a free Burma. Looks like it's gonna be longer than hoped for... But we can do something, and something is better than nothing.

Alliance Française

Last night we screened "Prayer of Peace" at the Alliance Française in Chiang Mai. There was a great turn out and I appreciated everyones interest and questions. I hope we did our best to answer what we could. Thank you to everyone who came and shared the experience. I was grateful to help give voice to the villagers suffering in Burma. Thanks again for coming.

may he rest in peace.

A good man doing his job, albeit dangerous, was murdered by the SPDC. Not only him but many more civilians who are choosing to face being beaten and shot down in the street for a chance to voice their calls for democracy and freedom... please stand for freedom in Burma.

good Burma reporting at:

http://www.newsdeskspecial.co.uk/burma/index.html

SPDC kills...

civilians on video: http://ko-htike.blogspot.com/

burning the evidence...

Many have said the death toll from inside Burma is much higher than reported, possibly a thousand people have died. From inside:

"Er… they shot… people got killed. Er…but it seems like it wasn't as
bad as yesterday in terms of number of deaths, however we will know
the accurate picture tomorrow. Er… la another disturbing news is
that er… I would like to know if you would inform BBC and CNN about?
(sob!!!) They burned the injured protesters/civilian people in the
YaeWay Crematorium la la . Er… the staff from crematorium told this,
crying, to the people who went to the funeral service. Please let
this known to CNN and BBC. Thank you!!" (from)

who stands where:

"China is the puppet-master of Burma. The Olympics is the only real lever we have to make China act. The civilised world must seriously consider shunning China by using the Beijing Olympics to send the clear message that such abuses of human rights are not acceptable." Edward McMillan-Scott, vice-president of the European Parliament

"I want to see all the pressures of the world put on this regime now - sanctions, the pressure of the UN, pressure from China and all the countries in the region, India, pressure from the whole of the world." UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown

"The world is watching the people of Burma take to the streets to demand their freedom and the American people stand in solidarity with these brave individuals." US President George W Bush

"We consider any attempts to use the latest developments to exercise outside pressure or interference in the domestic affairs of this sovereign state to be counterproductive. We still believe that the processes under way in Burma do not threaten international and regional peace and security." Russian foreign ministry

-BBC

...need I say shame on Russia?

Shan State solidarity gathering

On 27 September 2007 rural Shan villagers gathered in solidiarity with the protesters in urban areas. You can read more on FBRs website.

how you can help

A friend of mine has helped put an online donation mechanism together to get money to help support the protesters in Burma. There are already casualties and the medical services are not prepared to meet what is feared. I gave $30 here in Thailand and I trust the people behind this. Please think about doing the same: http://madnomad.com/ysb/
The group is Youth Solidarity of Burma and they have set up a website here: http://www.givetoburma.org/ Thank you.

Burma calling

"To all folk, it is really bad in YGN [Rangoon], pLs can someone do something for our country, now inside YGN it has been look like War Zone, i even heard stooting over the phone. it is over 50 shots, right now. but people are not giving up to protest and more and more people coming out to street. they even used tear gas into primary school."

Japanese journalist killed by SPDC

The Japanese Embassy reported on Thursday evening that a Japanese photojournalist died in the gunfire. Pictures released on the Internet show the journalist lying on his back in the street with one hand raised up holding his camera. A soldier wearing flip flops is pointing his rifle at the journalist. A second photograph shows the journalist's face contorted and his arm now rests on the ground, apparently shot a second time at point blank range. The photojournalist was Kenji Nagai, 51, according to the Japanese video news agency APF News. News from Irrawaddy.org (from a photo here by Reuters)

civilians targeted

The SPDC has begun targeting civilians, there is at least 9 confirmed dead. Here is a report from a survivor:
"I am a Singaporean working in Myanmar(Burma) for the past 11 years.
I was on my way to office( near Thuwana area) at around 4 to 4.30pm when the riot police block the road near "Super one, ILBC area". I stop my car with my wife and walk out. suddenly riot police and soldiers drove the truck around the corner and start firing shots at the crowd. we quickly ran to the side and squat down near the wall.
The soldiers came down and start to shoot at us. I was shot twice but i did not know what hit me. My both leg were bruised. the soldiers and police kicked us and the rest of the crowds into the drain and shouted that they would kill us if we look at them."
(read and see more here)