2008

Synopsis

When 51-year old U Chit Ko Ko learned six years ago that he was HIV-positive he thought his life was over. A friend encouraged him to visit FXB where counselling helped him to overcome his fear and depression. He has since become an assistant social worker for this NGO, where he coordinates a Sunday Empowerment Group to provide valuable support to a growing, but often stigmatised section of the population.

In this film, the warm, funny and remarkably open U Chit tells his story and talks about the role he now plays in helping other virus-positive people make the most of their lives.

Credits

Director: Wai Mar Nyunt
Camera: Mya Darli Aung
Sound: Kyaw Myo Lwin
Edit: Myo Min Khin

Biography

Yangon University Graduate Wai Mar Nyunt was assistant art teacher at a private school in Yangon before joining YFS in 2007. Her directorial debut was Happy Days, a lively portrait of her young neighbour. She has since directed My Positive Life, made for the NGO FXB, Sun Behind the Clouds (for World Concern) which she also edited. In 2009 she received a one-year scholarship to attend the Czech School of Performing Arts FAMU in Prague. She also took part in the CPH:DOX Film Lab in Copenhagen in the same year.

Filmography (selection)

2007     Happy Days (12’49”, director)
2007     Hotel Chef (3’17”, director)
2008     My Positive Life (20’09”, director)
2008     Sun Behind the Clouds (13’13”, director and editor)
2011     Rice – Towards a better Future (32’17”, sound recordist)

Screening History

September 2010 Thai International Short Film Festival, Bangkok, Thailand
October 2010 Doi Saket Film Festival, Thailand
November 2010 Heinrich Boell Foundation, Berlin, Germany
February 2011 Lifescapes Southeast Asian Film Festival, Chiang Mai, Thailand