Watch Burma: Encounters in a Forgotten Country

Burma: Encounters in a Forgotten Country is a documentary film that delves into the vibrant and complex cultural landscape of Burma, also known as Myanmar, a nation that has been shielded from the rest of the world for decades due to political turmoil and military dictatorship. The film follows the journey of filmmaker and narrator, Robert H. Lieberman, as he travels across Burma, visiting its diverse regions and meeting its eclectic mix of people. Throughout his journey, Lieberman gives audiences an intimate glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage and the daily struggles of its citizens.

The documentary opens with a brief historical overview of Burma, detailing how the military junta seized power in 1962 and imposed strict rules on the populace, restricting freedom of speech, free press, and public assembly. The government's iron grip on the country resulted in long-term economic stagnation, widespread civil unrest, and a counter-insurgency campaign against ethnic minority groups.

Lieberman initially travels to the Irrawaddy Delta, the rice bowl of Burma, to investigate the effects of Cyclone Nargis, which hit the country in 2008, resulting in the deaths of over 100,000 people. He meets with locals who recount their experiences and explains how the disaster was exacerbated by the government's failure to provide relief aid.

The subsequent part of the documentary centers on the political and economic situation of Burma. Lieberman travels to Rangoon, the former capital of Burma, and meets with opposition activists and ex-political prisoners, who share their experiences and hopes for a democratic future. He also visits the headquarters of the National League for Democracy, the party of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, who was under house arrest at the time of filming.

The documentary also highlights the negative effects of the military junta on the economy and environment of Burma. Lieberman travels to several regions of the country, including the Kachin state, where he explores the jade mines and examines the exploitation of workers. He then visits the teak forests in the Pegu region, where he uncovers the illegal logging practices and the threat posed to the country's biodiversity.

Throughout his travels, Lieberman weaves together a medley of intimate and personal stories from the Burmese people, showcasing the beauty and complexity of the country's culture. In the Shan state, for example, he meets with an 84-year-old Burmese man who survived WWII and still remembers the Japanese occupation.

The cinematography of the documentary is breathtaking. The film showcases the natural beauty of Burma, ranging from the rugged mountain ranges to the deep emerald-green jungles to the vibrant golden stupas. The soundtrack also adds to the film's ambiance, capturing the haunting yet melodic sounds of Burmese music.

Overall, Burma: Encounters in a Forgotten Country is an insightful and compassionate portrait of a country that has been shuttered from the rest of the world. The film provides valuable insight into the day-to-day lives of Burmese people and their struggles amidst a challenging political and economic climate, demonstrating the resilience and spirit of its people.

Burma: Encounters in a Forgotten Country is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 57 minutes.