Myanmar
In 2011 the Myanmarese government initiated a series of reforms including a relaxation of its harsh censorship on the country's media. While IMS was previously engaged primarily with supporting media to ensure a regular flow of objective and independent information to the people in Myanmar from the outside, the recent developments show signs of positive progress. With new opportunities and challenges for the country's often young journalists, IMS in close partnership with local media, will be looking to support the work of local journalists and the creation of a sustainable media sector to support the country’s emerging democracy.Archive
- Myanmar’s government eases control of the media
- Change is in the air: An assessment of media development challenges and opportunities in Myanmar
- Stop cyber attacks against independent Burmese media
- Burmese video journalists in the running for an Oscar
- Burma documentary hits box office record in UK
- Broad support in Denmark for Burmese VJs
- Support rally for Burma VJs in Copenhagen
- Speech by Thomas Hughes at the sixth Burma Media Conference in Chiang Mai, Thailand, 21-23 February 2009
- Next steps for Burmese media
- Burma film won prize at Sundance Festival
- Two awards to film about Burmese journalists
- Burmese journalists portrayed in new documentary film
Broad support in Denmark for Burmese VJs
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Friday afternoon Magic Hour Film, Minerva Film and Doc Lounge held a support party for Burma VJs. IMS was there to support the good cause and had a booth at the party to talk about the important work VJs do sending out footage and pictures from the repressive country rules by the military junta
It was a beautiful sunny day in Copenhagen when the support party for Burmese VJs was held. Great DJs, cold drinks, and hot "doku" dogs made for a splendid afternoon where friends, family and partners could meet up and support a good cause.
At six o'clock there was a screening of the award-winning movie, followed by a Q & A with the director Anders Østergaard. Afterwards a live chat was set up with "Joshua", the main character in the docmentary, and two representatives from the organisation Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB).
An 11-year old boy wondered why "Joshua" did what he did:
- You're never going to become famous! he said.
The answer fell promptly after laughing. "Joshua" said he wants to become a journalist and he wants to build his skills as much as he can within his field:
- Everything I do and have done - that's what journalists do, "Joshua" said.
VJs risk their lives sharing their images with the world
After the session, people continued the discussion in the yard in front of Minerva Films offices talking, asking questions about Burma and supporting the cause by buying drinks and hotdogs. The party went on to the early hours, which bodes well for the Burmese VJs as all profits of the sales during the party will go the Burmese VJs.
IMS used the opportunity to launch its first ever series of IMS t-shirts designed by Klaus Samsøe. Profits from the sales during the support party will be donated to support Burmese video journalists.
IMS has also pledged to match the amount of contributions up to DKK 100 000 and will be responsible for ensuring that all incoming contributions are spent on equipment, training and safety of Burmese VJs.
If you want to contribute, please follow the link below
In a restrictive media environment like Burma, any piece of information which makes it outside of the country is vital in documenting the actual conditions under which the junta is placing the citizens of Burma. The Burmese video journalists working inside the country are the most vital part of documenting the respressive actions of the junta through pictures and information, which is smuggled outside the country along secret routes. The Burmese VJs risk their lives to allow the international community a peek behind the closed curtains of Burma.
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