The signing ceremony of the Deed of Assignment for 13 State-owned cinemas, under the Ministry of Information, in Yangon Region was held yesterday morning at the Yangon Region Government Office.
The ceremony was attended by Union Minister for Information U Maung Maung Ohn, Yangon Region Chief Minister U Hla Soe, officials from the Ministry of Information and the Yangon Region government, and business owners who rent State-owned cinemas.
At the ceremony, Union Minister U Maung Maung Ohn said of the private cinemas across Myanmar, a total of 181 were nationalized in 1968. With five new cinemas and the handover of the “Thamada Cinema” from the Ministry of Finance to the Ministry of Information, the number of cinemas became 187.
Due to the emergence of video studios for Myanmar movies since 1986, scarcity of international film and the decline in film production, the cinema industry has declined. In order to operate the film industry independently during that time, cinemas were leased on a short term/long term or sold with the permission of the Privatization Commission since 1995. A total of 27 State-owned cinemas run by the Information and Public Relations, and 94 of the cinemas sold permanently to the private, have been supervised by the region/state governments after the management of these cinemas were handed over to the respective region and state governments in 2018. The Union Minister said he believes the Ministry of Information, the region government and the business owners who rent the cinemas will work together for the development of the film industry in the Yangon Region.
The State Administration Council Chairman Prime Minister also frequently speaks about the development of cinema and film sectors development, and they are often guided to develop film arts, he added. In line with the theme of “Film for the people”, the role of cinema is important in entertaining the people and it is necessary to work together for the upgrading and development of cinemas, the Union Minister said.
He said artistes are resuming filming under the COVID-19 rules and regulations, and the people will be able to enjoy their artwork in cinemas in near future. Yangon Region Chief Minister U Hla Soe discussed the resumption of the State-owned cinemas and the cinemas sold permanently under conditions in line with the COVID-19 guidelines. Afterwards, officials and the business owners signed the deed assignments.
Of 27 State-owned cinemas under the management of the Ministry of Information, 26 were handed over to the respective region and state governments, and the Ministry continues to manage Wazira Cinema in Kyauktada Township to hold State-level cinema events and international film festivals.
In the afternoon, the Union Minister inspected the Community Centre in Bahan and met district/township officials in Yangon Region. During the meeting, the Union Minister said it is necessary to accelerate the activities as the Prime Minister has made the Department of Information and Public Relations (IPRD) restructured and expanded. As the IPRD offices are opened in every township, the flow of information between the Government and the public should be focused. He added that people are receiving information more on social media platforms rather than traditional media, and unscrupulous people are misleading the public with fake news on social media. He said it is necessary to carry out public relations activities so that the public will work together with the Government to fight against the spread of false news on social media.
The Union Minister also urged the attendees to focus on youth development activities and youth-centred programmes in the community-based centres and provided gifts and cash assistance. — MNA
