Midwives
Fall Grants 2021 - Post-Production Stage
Hnin Ei Hlaing / Feature Documentary / Myanmar, Germany, Canada / 91 min / Original Language: Burmese, Rakhine, Rohingya
Synopsis
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 challenged by 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 has long 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.
Credits
- Director
- Snow Hnin Ei Hlaing
- Screenwriter
- Snow Hnin Ei Hlaing
- Producer
- Bob Moore, Ulla Lehmann, Mila Aung-Thwin, Snow Hnin Ei Hlaing
- Production Company
- AMA FILM
About the Director
Hnin Ei Hlaing (Snow) has worked as a freelance filmmaker in Myanmar since 2006, acting as director, producer, editor, and sound recordist after attending film schools in both Myanmar and Germany. Her short, ‘Burmese Butterfly’ played festivals in over 20 countries, and ‘Period@Period’ won for best short at the Wathan Film Festival. ‘Midwives’ is her feature documentary debut.