FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A Brighter side of Myanmar:

Footballing monks, Village Parties and Musical Policemen.

Two independent filmmakers have released a film documenting a journey into remote Northern Myanmar.

‘Not Tourist Area' features footballing monks, an encounter with an angry mob and a serendipitous visit to a village that hadn't been visited by foreigners since the 1930s.

Myanmar usually makes headlines for all the wrong reasons, and the recent military coup has thrown the country in to disarray. This film takes us away from the politics, and shows the Burmese people in all their glory. Bypassing the tourist spots, we're taken on a journey through dusty valleys, forested mountains and ethnic minority villages. The one thing these places all have in common is the warmth and openness of the people, who also seem to have a knack for covering old 60s songs on guitar.

‘Our intention was to experience everyday Myanmar without any preconceptions or specific destinations, and film life along the way,' said editor Alexis Parrinder.

‘Even before the coup, Myanmar had a tense, ever-changing political situation, and we had to navigate a confusing network of restricted zones. Tourists are expected to stick to the tourist areas... On one occasion we unwittingly found ourselves in a restricted area, were questioned and then put in to the back of a police car... But we managed to turn the situation around with a spirited musical performance.'

‘In the end, hospitality, serendipity and countless smiling faces shine through over the politically turbulent backdrop.'

‘Not Tourist Area - A Journey through Myanmar' is now available to view on YouTube. The filmmakers are also working in collaboration with locals to raise money for sustainable development projects in a remote mountain village, and the fundraising link can be found in the video's info section.

CONTACT DETAILS - Alexis Parrinder, Alexispn777@gmail.com, 07805510632.
 FILM -  https://youtu.be/HvMbrtyfT-w