Watch Altered Focus: Burma 1x6lb

Altered Focus: Burma is a powerful documentary film that takes viewers deep into the heart of one of the world's most isolated and oppressed countries: Myanmar (formerly known as Burma). Through the eyes of local photographers and journalists, the film offers a rare glimpse into the struggles, hopes, and dreams of the Burmese people, who for decades have endured political repression, economic hardship, and brutal civil wars. 2b3q1t

The film begins with a brief historical overview of Myanmar, tracing the origins of the country's conflicts and divisions back to the days of British colonial rule. It then introduces viewers to a handful of young Burmese photographers, each with a unique perspective on the country and its people. These photographers work for various local newspapers, magazines, and NGOs and use their cameras to document the realities of life in Myanmar, from the poverty and corruption in the cities to the fierce fighting in the rural regions.

One photographer, for instance, takes pictures of the slums and shantytowns that have sprung up in Yangon, the country's largest city. His images show how people live in cramped, unsanitary conditions, where they are exposed to disease and exploitation. Another photographer focuses on the struggles of the country's ethnic minorities, who have long been persecuted and marginalized by the Burmese military regime. He captures images of refugees fleeing their homes and of soldiers patrolling the borderlands, as well as the everyday lives of people trying to survive in war-torn areas.

As the film unfolds, viewers get a sense of the incredible challenges faced by these photographers, who risk imprisonment, torture, and death to do their work. They also learn about the methods they use to evade detection and censorship, such as using old cameras and developing film in secret. In one powerful scene, a photographer who has just been released from prison shows his collection of confiscated cameras and photos, which have all been marked with red X's by his jailers.

Despite the hardships they face, however, the photographers are driven by a deep sense of purpose and hope. They believe that by documenting their country's problems, they can raise awareness and inspire change. They also see themselves as part of a larger movement for democracy and human rights, one that has been gaining momentum in Myanmar in recent years.

Throughout the film, there is a palpable sense of tension and uncertainty, as the photographers navigate the complex and ever-shifting political landscape. They witness the rise of Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy, which promises to bring reform and justice to the country. They also see the continued brutality of the military regime, which clings to power through violence and intimidation.

In the end, Altered Focus: Burma is a portrait of a country on the brink of change, a place where hope and despair, beauty and brutality coexist in complex and often contradictory ways. Through the eyes of these courageous photographers, viewers come to see Myanmar as a place of immense complexity and potential, a place that deserves our attention, our comion, and our .