Joint Japanese-Myanmar film production
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Japanese actor Sonny Chiba announced that an initial agreement had been reached on Monday with the Myanmar Motion Picture Organisation (MMPO) on a joint film production and a studio project in Myanmar.
Visiting Yangon last week, Chiba is also known as a singer, film producer, film director and martial artist who was one of the first actors to achieve stardom through his skills in martial arts, initially in Japan and later before an international audience.
"I'm delighted by the warm welcome. There should have been cooperation between Japan and Myanmar a long time ago on joint film projects. After discussing with MMPO chairman, I have an idea to do a joint film with strong historical overtones. This was only the first discussion. I expect this film to revolutionise the film industry in both countries," said Chiba, adding that he regretted not visiting Myanmar sooner.
"The Dawn of Myanmar", Chiba’s proposed joint production, chronicles the life of Col Suzuki, aka Bo Mogyo and “Commander Thunderbolt”, who was responsible for training the 30 comrades led by Bogyoke (General) Aung San. Together they staged a revolt against the British in pursuit of independence.
While in Yangon, Chiba also met with a producer of Living Sound Entertainment to discuss the feasibility of a joint production entitled "Yangon Runway". In the horror film, a group of Japanese models find themselves encountering frightening situations in an old spooky rented house in Yangon. The cast includes Myanmar actress Ei Chaw Po.
According to Jaw Maran, producer of Living Sound Entertainment, the proposed film has been in the works for a long time. “After some negotiations with the Japanese actor and actresses, we are here to meet with the press to talk about the film. The film will go on commercial release in both Myanmar and Japan next year plus other countries.
“I believe this is the opportunity for the Myanmar film industry to penetrate the international film market. I'm proud that I’ve got the chance to work with some top Japanese actors and entertainment companies," said Jaw Maran, adding that most scenes in “Yangon Runway” will be filmed in Yangon from December to mid-January.
During his four-day visit, he staged a kendo (sword fighting) demonstration at the Myanmar-Japan friendship concert in Yangon on Sunday. Accompanying him on this trip were three Japanese actresses: Rina Takeda from Sony Music Entertainment (Japan), Yuko Fueki and Ai Takade, both from Oscar Promotion Talent Management.
