THE Myanmar Movie Picture Organisation (MMPO) has raised over K1.8 million for victims of the November fire in Hlaing township.

The organisation held special screenings of the films Style, Archit Ye Nalsat Armaun Ye Myutyoe (Border of love and city wall of hatred), and Bee Lu (Ogre) at Wazeyar-1 cinema from December 23 to 29 to raise funds.

“Our MMPO wanted to help the fire victims as much as we could, so we came up with the idea of the fundraiser screenings,” Daw Khin Lay Theint, a MMPO executive committee member told the Myanmar Times last week.

“These films were the most popular in the last two years so we decided to show them,” she added.

Many movie industry members chipped in to help.

“A group of senior actresses was outside the cinema every day throughout the week welcoming movie fans,” Daw Khin Lay Theint said.

The elderly actresses also collected donations from people on the street.
“We solely used MMPO funds to organise the event, so we didn’t take away any funds from the victims,” Daw Khin Lay Theint explained.

One movie goer Ko Zayar Bo Min said he applauded the MMPO for trying to help the fire victims who lost homes and businesses.

“I seldom go to see Myanmar films bar a few comedies. Now, I have come here to watch the comedy film Style because I am impressed with what the MMPO is trying to do to help the victims.”

Another cinema goer during the week, accountant Ma Nyein Nyein Wint, added: “The film Bee Lu (Ogre) was showing last year, but I did not get the chance to go and watch it because I am always busy.

“This time I did not want to miss it because I know that the profit from these screenings is going to fire victims. I am very happy about this and thank the MMPO,” she said.

The K1.8 million raised through both the screenings and people’s donations will be passed on to fire victims this month.