Than Htike Oo

October 11, 2007
The Burmese video censorship board is using dilatory tactics to permit release and screening of an HIV awareness video film, in which prominent Burmese actor Kyaw Thu plays the lead role, sources said.

The board on October 8, denied permission when the PSI Myanmar, a non--governmental organisation, applied for permission to distribute the 45-minute awareness film, titled "Ahkyuanmeh Hlonegyoneyar" (Total Security).

"We sought permission from the censorship board to allow us to distribute and screen it. We wanted to know whether we can start screening it. But they refused and told us not to screen the film. We don't know the reason," Shwe Zin Htike from the PSI Myanmar told Mizzima.

However, the video censorship board told Mizzima that the film has been 'temporarily suspended' from being released.

The video "Ahkyuanmeh Hlonegyoneyar" depicts how actor Kyaw Thu, a married man, working as a boatman is infected with the HIV virus after visiting a Karaoke club. He in turn passes the virus to his wife.

The film, shot in 2002 by the PSI Myanmar, a humanitarian assistance group, aims to create HIV awareness among boat people working on the Irrawaddy River.

Prominent Burmese actor Kyaw Thu had joined veteran politician U Win Naing's 'Swan' offering to monks on September 24, along with several other Burmese celebrities. Following the Swan offering, on September 25, U Win Naing and actor and critic Zarganar was arrested by the authorities, but Kyaw Thu remained at large.

While rumors did the rounds in Rangoon that Kyaw Thu, who heads the free funeral service association, and his wife Shwe Zikyuat, were arrested on Thursday, no independent verification could be made so far.