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Film Screening and Discussion “Irrawaddy Mon Amour”
12 February, 2022 @ 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
LGBTIQ and gender-diverse people in Myanmar are often subjected to human rights violations and systematic violence. With outdated criminal laws failing to provide protection and recognition, coupled with a lack of social acceptance, they also face day-to-day discrimination and social exclusion. Despite the increased risks of being targeted, LGBTIQ people have actively participated in the movement since the beginning of the coup which took place on 1 February 2021. According to Outright Action International, many of them are openly protesting with rainbow anti-coup signs, while others keep their identities hidden for security reasons. While Myanmar’s police and military are notorious for verbally, sexually, and physically abusing LGBTIQ people particularly transfeminine people, there is little information available about how many of them have been arrested, detained, tortured and killed. Recently BBC Burmese reported the arrest of three transgender women including Gucci Aung. Her belonging and house were confiscated and she is at heightened risk of violence and abuses.
In remembrance of such incidents and in solidarity with LGBTIQ people in Myanmar, SEA Junction will screen two films about LGBTIQ people in Myanmar on two Saturdays at 5 pm: This Kind of Love on 5 February and Irrawaddy Mon Amour on 12 February. The screenings are part of the Encore Edition of the Burma Spring Film Festival (BSBFF), which you can find more information and make donation at the end of the page.
12 February 2022, 5:00-6:30 pm at SEA Junction
- Introduction (5 minutes)
- Film Screening “Irrawaddy Mon Amour” (58 minutes)
- Discussion and Q & A (30 minutes)
Film Synopsis
Irrawaddy Mon Amour is a 58-minute documentary film directed by Valeria Testagrossa, Nicola Grignani, Andrea Zambelli
In Kyauk Myaung, a Burmese village on the banks of the Irrawaddy River, humble street vendor Soe Ko wishes to marry Saing Ko, a quiet mason from a nearby town—but same-sex love is still forbidden by law. Irrawaddy Mon Amour tells the story of a young gay couple who, with the aid of LGBTIQ activists, Buddhist monks, and village housewives, fight for their right to love and marry in a country struggling to redefine itself in the wake of a brutal totalitarian regime. Watch the trailer at https://youtu.be/jTpo8Ws7EjE.
As the film explores the issue of marriage equality, we would like to use this opportunity to discuss it both within and beyond Myanmar, particularly in neighboring Thailand where the bill granting marriage rights has just been pushed aside by the parliament.
Speaker: Nada Chaiyajit, Human Rights Campaign Advisor, Manushya Foundation
For information/reservation for our events, please email southeastasiajunction@gmail.com or phone: +66970024140
NB: Due to limited seats available, prior reservations are highly encouraged. Events are free, but donations are most welcome!
Organizers
SEA Junction
SEA Junction, established under the Thai non-profit organization Foundation for Southeast Asia Studies (ForSEA), aims to foster understanding and appreciation of Southeast Asia in all its socio-cultural dimensions, from arts and lifestyles to economy and development. Conveniently located at Room 408 of the Bangkok Arts and Culture Center or BACC (across MBK, BTS National Stadium), SEA Junction facilitates public access to knowledge resources and exchanges among students, practitioners and Southeast Asia lovers. For more information, see www.seajunction.org, join the Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/1693058870976440/ and follow us on Twitter and Instagram @seajunction
Burma Spring Film Festival (BSFF)
An Encore Edition of the BSBFF with new films and panels added takes place February 1-13, 2022, exactly one year since the coup, to bring new attention to the suffering in the country, and to raise more much needed money for trusted civil society groups in Myanmar. These provide humanitarian assistance in Chin, Kachin, Karen, Karenni and Shan states-poor, ethnic areas most severely impacted by food insecurity and emergency shelter needs. Support will also go to freelance media and non-violent human rights activists forced into Thailand.
Know that your contributions will make a difference in Myanmar, through enabling dedicated local organizations to courageously carry on grassroots work in a time of darkness, and by letting them know the world is still holding a light for peaceful change. Make a donation of whatever you can afford and then explore the full program of films and panels at https://bsbff.eventive.org/.
