Synopsis

Built in the 19th century, this Tamil Hindu temple in Thanlyin across the Bago River from Yangon is unique in largely Buddhist Myanmar: this is a place where people from different religious backgrounds come to pray – in the hope that their wishes will be fulfilled. Fortune-teller ‘Yellow Mother’ is one of four inhabitants of Pilikan village who – in between lively spectacles of leaping cows and cow-catching – explain what the temple and its rituals mean to them.  

Director's Statement

I am from Thanlyin, the home of Pilikan temple. I was drawn to this Hindu temple because of the festivals that were completely unknown to me and began taking photos. Thousands of people celebrate here and to me it feels as if we are in India, right in the middle of Myanmar. I also think it is fascinating that people come to the temple from all over the country – no matter what religion or beliefs they have. I have never seen anything like it in Myanmar before and wanted to try to capture something of this unique atmosphere in my film. 

Director's Biography

Director's Filmography