Watch Burma VJ: Reporting From A Closed Country

In 2008, a documentary film titled "Burma VJ: Reporting From A Closed Country" was released. The film was directed by Anders Østergaard and narrated by George W. Bush. It documents the stories of journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens as they fight against the military dictatorship in Burma. The film's focus is on the "VJs" or video journalists who risk their lives to document protests and demonstrations against the government. These Burmese reporters capture the footage that is then smuggled out of the country to be broadcast by foreign news agencies. This footage provides the world with a rare look at the realities of life under a repressive regime.

The film is set during the Saffron Revolution, a series of protests that occurred in 2007. These demonstrations were sparked by a steep rise in fuel prices, but quickly grew to encompass demands for democracy and human rights. The military dictatorship cracked down harshly on these protests, using violence to suppress dissent.

The film alternates between the footage captured by the VJs and interviews with these brave individuals. The VJs explain the techniques they use to avoid detection by the government, such as filming from hidden locations or posing as tourists. They also describe the dangers they face, including arrest, torture, and even death.

The interviews with activists and political leaders provide crucial context for the events taking place. One such figure is Ko Muang, a prominent monk who emerged as a leader of the Saffron Revolution. Muang explains the role of Buddhism in Burmese politics and the ways in which the military dictatorship seeks to control the country's religious institutions.

Another key figure in the film is Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of the National League for Democracy (NLD) and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Suu Kyi has been under house arrest for much of her political career, but her voice and vision for democracy are ever-present in the film. The VJs capture footage of her addressing crowds of supporters during the protests, providing a powerful symbol of hope for the Burmese people.

Throughout the film, the VJs also capture scenes of everyday life in Burma. These glimpses into the country's culture and traditions serve to humanize the struggle for democracy. From street vendors selling food to children playing games, these moments remind us that the people of Burma are not just victims of a repressive regime, but individuals with their own hopes and dreams.

"Burma VJ: Reporting From A Closed Country" is a powerful testament to the courage and resilience of the Burmese people. It is a call to action for the international community to stand with those fighting for democracy and human rights in Burma. As one of the VJs in the film says, "We want the world to know what is happening here." Through their footage and their stories, these journalists have done just that.

Burma VJ: Reporting From A Closed Country is a 2009 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8 and a MetaScore of 82.