On a winning streak

In this exclusive interview with the Myanmar Eleven, Wine waxes lyrical about his current production “Achain Tine Nay Yar Tine” (Anytime, Anywhere), a small-screen whodunit, while taking stock of the controversy-plagued film awards.

 

Given that you films are on the shortlist, what do you think of the Academy Awards? 

Since our film industry is in charge of the Academy Awards, there should be more transparency than in the past. All the judges involved in the first two stages of selection must be present when the envelopes are opened. If they aren’t, and something wrong happens, then other people who are present during the opening of the envelopes will end up taking the blame instead. Even if the envelopes are opened two hours before the ceremony, I believe the judges should by all means be present. Only then, we can say it’s fair and transparent. 

As this year is our first time [to host the ceremony], it’s important to take transparency seriously just for the sake of the Academy Awards’ credibility down the line. 

If anything goes wrong this year, the chances are it will get worse in the coming years. 

The most important question is, how can we solve the problem of a lack of trust among the film industry in the Academy Awards? 

 

Are you glad that your films are on the shortlist?

I have spent a long time making both “Nin Say Yin” and “Satan Yae Kachay Tal”. To be honest, I'm satisfied with both films. The rest is up to the judges.

 

Which actors were you happy working with?

In my films, the lead actors and actresses – Nay Toe, Thet Mon Myint, Pyay Ti Oo, and Wutt Hmone Shwe Yee – are rivals. Ko Diramore, who was in charge of background music, tried very hard. What I want to focus on is the editing. I don't understand who [the judges] would pick for the Awards for editing. They should really be considering this in the digital age. Overall, I'm happy with both of my films.

 

In what way should the Academy Awards be changed give than the film industry has lost its trust in the awards for a long time now?

We will have to wait and see. I don't want to criticise. Another thing is the audience know how to feel. They won’t support the awards if the [films] are not really aesthetic. The judges should recognise the audience's support.

What were the main challenges in filming “Achain Tine Nay Yar Tine” (“Anytime, Anywhere”)? 

I didn’t have much time to prepare for this TV drama. I had to spend a lot of time working on it to the detriment of my resting time. With this drama, I’ve learnt that I will need more time if I want to gain a foothold in the TV drama industry. 

Do you think your TV soap marks a turning point in the TV drama sphere?

I’ll have to listen to the audience's voices. It’s likely that the audience are satisfied with this drama. They will know that the actors and actresses did their best. I will listen to what the audience have to say about what they like and don't like about this drama.

On which TV channels is it on?

It will air on MNTV, Channel 9, Myanmar Arts, MWD Documentary, and MRTV.

To what extent will the production of this drama aid in the filming of another soap “Achit Ei Nauk Sat Twal Sar Myat Hnar” (“The Appendix of Love”)?

It’ll be very helpful. I'm currently facing many difficulties including the tight schedule of our actors and actresses.

 

When will the shooting of “Achiit Ei Nauk Sat Twal Sar Myat Hnar” start?

We are familiar with making love and family [films]. In the drama I'm currently filming, I have to study the police procedures. In “Achiit Ei Nauk Sat Twal Sar Myat Hnar”, I have to do a lot of research into the kind of scissor used by a surgeon. There are difficulties in writing the script too. Production is expected to start in January or February.

Any word on “Hna Lone Thar Phit Thi Sauk Thi” (“Made in Heart”), which will be released soon?

Each film contains messages I want to get across. One of them is: If everyone keeps their promises and have loyalty, our world will be better.

 

What have you been up to lately?

I believe it's time for me to change after making “Chit Hla Swar Taw Amone”. I need to come with more challenging plots and put more effort into script writing. I haven't made a lot of films this year after completing two films. I haven't filmed any direct-to-home videos yet.

Any word on the film about Bogyoke Aung San?

This film represents the entire country so there are many difficulties.