Films by Hnin Ei Hlaing

Myanmar, Germany 2022, 89 min
by Hnin Ei Hlaing

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.

Germany 2016, 75 min
by Eva Knopf

Until recently Myanmar was shut off from the rest of the world by a military dictatorship. Ever since a democratisation process started, the country opend up, not only politically but also economically. Investors and multinational companies view Myanmar today as the 'last frontier' of globalization: 53 million new customers may be waiting to avail themselves of their products!But how do the Burmese navigate between the new offers and opportunities and their traditional values? MYANMARKET accompanies people in a time of change: A team of consumer researchers maps Yangon, Myanmar’s biggest city, according to household income. A motivational trainer effordlessly combines american feasibility opitmism with buddhist doctrines. A mother is overwhelmed by the demands of family and society and is looking for a traditional escape from her everyday life. Her daughter is attracted by the shiny commodities and is looking for her true needs.Original Burmese version with English subtitles or German overvoice available.