This Friday, 1 March at 430 pm all are invited to a screening of Broken Dreams with director’s talk, along with a violin performance from Joy House and the launch of the “From Across the River” exhibition. The screening and exhibition will be held at the Dhani Phaholyothin conference room, Faculty of Social Sciences, Chiang Mai University with the support of Asia Justice and Rights.

Broken Dreams is a feature-length omnibus film made up of 9 short films that portray the impact of the 2021 military coup in Myanmar. The film covers a wide range of experiences, from the loss of loved ones to the suppression of freedom of expression. Each story is told from a unique perspective, and together they provide a powerful and moving portrait of the ongoing crisis in Myanmar. The film is a follow-up to the critically acclaimed Myanmar Diaries, which won several awards at international film festivals. Broken Dreams builds on the success of its predecessor, offering a more in-depth look at the human cost of the coup. The film is also notable for the fact that most of the filmmakers, actors, and crew are in exile to avoid junta’s persecution for their participation in Myanmar’s Spring Revolution.

“From Across the River” is an exhibition showcasing the journey of artist trainers and their students who fled to Mae Sot after the Myanmar military coup. Through paintings, drawings, and hand-sewn banners, it portrays the impact of the conflict on civilians, depicting air strikes, political prisoners, and displaced persons. The art reflects both the suffering and resilience of Myanmar people in their uprising against military rule. Joy House in Mae Sot offers free Art and Wellness classes, bridging communities through teaching and showcasing artwork, music, and dance to raise awareness of the crisis. Supported by the Foundation for Education and Development, Joy House stands as a beacon of healing and resilience amidst adversity.