Union Information Minister, Yangon Region Chief Minister inspect Film City Project, join tree-planting ceremony in Hlegu Township

UNION Minister for Informa­tion U Maung Maung Ohn and Yangon Region Chief Minister U Soe Thein visited the Myan­mar Motion Pictures Organiza­tion’s Film City Project in Hlegu Township, Yangon Region, yes­terday morning.

They inspected the pro­gress of the project and also attended a monsoon season col­lective tree-planting ceremony.

The event was also attend­ed by regional ministers, Pa­tron of the Myanmar Motion Pictures Organization U Aung Lwin, Chairman U Kyi Soe Tun, artistes, departmental officials, and representatives from the Myanmar Construction Entre­preneurs Association.

The ceremony began with the screening of a video pres­entation on the progress of the Film City Project. Then, U Zaw Myint Oo, Secretary of MMPO, clarified the current status of the project and the plans for its continuation.

The Union Minister re­marked that although the Film City Project had been initiat­ed some time ago, it was only during the tenure of the State Administration Council that of­ficial approval was granted for its implementation. He empha­sized that the project is not only important for those in the film industry, but also for the nation and its people.

He stated that the project could be implemented through one of the three possible ap­proaches: using the organiza­tion’s own funding; securing necessary government invest­ment loans following official procedures; or adopting a Pub­lic-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The most suitable option should be selected, he said.

If the project succeeds, film production activities could be conducted mainly in Yangon and its surrounding areas, bringing great convenience to artists and filmmakers. The Union Minister also noted that the Ministry of Information and MMPO had worked together to revive cinema screenings, which had been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandem­ic. Thanks to these efforts, the industry has now returned to normal operations.

He urged that basic infra­structure related to the film industry should be prioritized in the implementation of the project, while ensuring that leisure and recreation-related components do not take prec­edence, which could derail the original purpose. He earnestly requested all artistes to work together for the success of the project.

He stressed that the film in­dustry is a sector that deserves national recognition and sup­port, and therefore, efforts must be made to produce high-quality films and to establish a proper system for their screening in cinemas.

Following this, the Yangon Region Chief Minister said that the Head of State had given guidance that during the mon­soon season, suitable tree spe­cies should be planted across the country to help preserve the environment. So, around 600 trees should be planted as part of this Film City Project, he said.

They all planted trees at designated locations as part of the ceremony. — MNA/KNN