Yan Paing Htun was born in 1999 in Myaungmya, located in Myanmar’s Ayeyarwady Region. Despite facing challenges as a disabled Muslim, he has carved out a remarkable path in film. He began his journey as a videographer for Mosaic Myanmar in 2017. Two years later, he joined Aliens Production, where he explored several roles including assistant director and sound designer. In 2020, he joined Yangon Film School, contributing as a sound recordist and cinematographer for student films. He discovered a knack for post-production and worked as a colorist for several projects. His directorial debut, “Love Like Ours,” became a standout, winning the Ruby Award at the YFS-Goethe-Institute Documentary Competition in 2023.
The 18-minute documentary focuses on Ko Aung Zay Yar, a Muslim man, and his wife Ma Tin Tin Maw, a former Buddhist who converted to Islam for love. They live with their children in a fishing village called Nga Pote Thin, facing hardship as the only Muslim family in their predominantly Buddhist community. This isolation brings frequent challenges, including prejudice, as Ko Aung Zay is often insulted and ostracized. Ma Tin Tin also grapples with alienation from her disapproving family, intensifying their struggles.
Throughout the film, the strength of their love shines through, even amidst adversity. Yan Paing Htun skillfully captures the couple’s candid moments, highlighting both their conflicts and deep affection for each other. This willingness to discuss personal challenges adds depth to the documentary, making it compelling on multiple levels.
The film also touches on religious themes, raising questions about the dynamics of conversion and societal expectations. While Yan does not delve deeply into these issues, they linger in the viewer’s mind.
The cinematography, led by Paing Aung, effectively reflects the family’s environment, showcasing both the struggles and beauty of their lives. Khin Warso’s editing maintains a brisk yet thoughtful pace, allowing the narrative to unfold naturally in its brief runtime.
“Love Like Ours” stands out as a beautifully shot and thought-provoking documentary. It effectively addresses important themes such as religion and social issues while telling a heartfelt story of love and resilience.
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Love Like Hours,Yan Paing
