UNION Minister for Information U Maung Maung Ohn and Yangon Region Chief Minister U Soe Thein visited the Myanmar Motion Pictures Organization’s Film City Project in Hlegu Township, Yangon Region, yesterday morning.

They inspected the progress of the project and also attended a monsoon season collective tree-planting ceremony.

The event was also attended by regional ministers, Patron of the Myanmar Motion Pictures Organization U Aung Lwin, Chairman U Kyi Soe Tun, artistes, departmental officials, and representatives from the Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association.

The ceremony began with the screening of a video presentation on the progress of the Film City Project. Then, U Zaw Myint Oo, Secretary of MMPO, clarified the current status of the project and the plans for its continuation.

The Union Minister remarked that although the Film City Project had been initiated some time ago, it was only during the tenure of the State Administration Council that official approval was granted for its implementation. He emphasized that the project is not only important for those in the film industry, but also for the nation and its people.

He stated that the project could be implemented through one of the three possible approaches: using the organization’s own funding; securing necessary government investment loans following official procedures; or adopting a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The most suitable option should be selected, he said.

If the project succeeds, film production activities could be conducted mainly in Yangon and its surrounding areas, bringing great convenience to artists and filmmakers. The Union Minister also noted that the Ministry of Information and MMPO had worked together to revive cinema screenings, which had been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to these efforts, the industry has now returned to normal operations.

He urged that basic infrastructure related to the film industry should be prioritized in the implementation of the project, while ensuring that leisure and recreation-related components do not take precedence, which could derail the original purpose. He earnestly requested all artistes to work together for the success of the project.

He stressed that the film industry is a sector that deserves national recognition and support, and therefore, efforts must be made to produce high-quality films and to establish a proper system for their screening in cinemas.

Following this, the Yangon Region Chief Minister said that the Head of State had given guidance that during the monsoon season, suitable tree species should be planted across the country to help preserve the environment. So, around 600 trees should be planted as part of this Film City Project, he said.

They all planted trees at designated locations as part of the ceremony.

MNA/KNN

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