Midwives
Synopsis
Two midwives, one Buddhist and one Muslim, defy strict ethnic divisions to work side by side in a makeshift clinic in western Myanmar, providing medical services to the Rohingya of Rakhine State. Over five years we witness their struggles, hopes and dreams amidst an environment of ever-increasing chaos and violence.Hla and Nyo Nyo live in a country torn by conflict. Hla is a Buddhist and the owner of a makeshift medical clinic in western Myanmar, where the Rohingya (a Muslim minority community) are persecuted and denied basic rights. Nyo Nyo is a Muslim and an apprentice midwife who acts as an assistant and translator at the clinic. Her family has lived in the area for generations, yet they are still considered intruders. Encouraged and challengedby Hla, who risks her own safety daily by helping Muslim patients, Nyo Nyo is determined to become a steady health care provider for her community. Snow Hnin Ei Hlaing’s remarkable feature debut was filmed over five turbulent years in a country that haslong been exoticized and misunderstood. The filmmaker’s gentle, impartial gaze grants unique access to these courageous women who unite to bring forth life. Filled with love, empathy, and hope, Midwives offers a rare insight into the complex reality of Myanmar and its people.
Festivals/Awards
2022SUNDANCE Film Festival – World Premiere
CPH:DOX – DOX:AWARD
Don Haig Award – 29 Hot Docs Toronto
37 DOK.fest Munich
Docs Against Gravity
DOCAVIV, Israel
IDFA – Best of Fests
2023
shortlisted #lola23 – Deutscher Filmpreis Dokumentarfilm
nominated ROMAN BRODMANN PREIS
nominated German Documentary Award
Cast and Crew
- Director Hnin Ei Hlaing
- Producer Bob Moore, Ulla Lehmann, Mila Aung-Thwin, Snow Hnin Ei Hlaing
- Editor Mila Aung-Thwin, Ryan Mullins, Snow Hnin Ei Hlaing, Soe Kyaw Htin Tun
- Score Olivier Alary, Johannes Malfatti
World Sales Company
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Co-Production Company
AMA FILM GmbHGermany
www.amafilm.de
Links / Reference
bob@eyesteelfilm.com
www.eyesteelfilm.com
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