Impact Days Catalogue
By Hnin Ei Hlaing and Snow Hnin Ei Hlaing

Midwives

 Midwives chronicles two women who run a makeshift medical clinic in a region torn apart by violent ethnic divisions. Hla, the owner, is a Buddhist in western Myanmar, where the Rohingya, a Muslim minority, are persecuted and denied basic rights. Nyo Nyo is a Muslim and an apprentice. Encouraged and challenged by Hla, Nyo Nyo is determined to become a steady health care provider for her people. Filmed over five tumultuous years, Snow Hnin Ei Hlaing’s debut feature offers a gentle, impartial gaze, providing unique access to these courageous women dedicated to bringing forth life. “Midwives,” brimming with love, empathy, and hope, provides a rare and insightful glimpse into the intricate reality of Myanmar and its resilient people. 

Section : Impact Days
Country : Myanmar
Original languages : Burmese, Rohingya, Rakhine
Directors
Hnin Ei Hlaing
Snow Hnin Ei Hlaing (Myanmar)
Producers
Hnin Ei Hlaing
Ulla Lehmann
Mila Aung-Thwin
Bob Moore (Canada)
Ulla Lehmann (Germany)
Snow Hnin Ei Hlaing (Myanmar)
EYESTEELFILM
AMA FILM
Snow Films
Completion
2022
Impact Statement
"Midwives" bears witness to Rohingya atrocities and the aftermath of the 2021 military coup, serving as a call to action. Illustrating the ongoing struggle for justice and human rights in Myanmar, the film portrays the dire impact of the coup on a vulnerable population, revealing alarming statistics of deaths, imprisonments, and refugees. Urging communities, policymakers, and organizations to unite, "Midwives" advocates for policy changes, supports grassroots initiatives, and champions women's rights, especially in conflict zones. It stands as a testament to women's strength in adversity, inspiring viewers to become advocates for justice, human rights, and global women's empowerment. We are currently seeking an Impact Producer for our film.

With this film, we aim to raise awareness of Rohingya persecution while promoting cross-cultural unity, advocating for human rights, supporting women's health and rights, and inspiring action against authoritarian regimes through the story of two courageous midwives in Myanmar.
Impact Goals
  1. Raise Awareness on Rohingya Persecution
  2. Promote Cross-Cultural Unity
  3. Advocate for Human Rights
  4. Support Women's Health/ Rights
  5. Galvanize Action Against Authoritarian Regimes
Impact Strategy
  • Use the documentary as a platform to advocate for gender-inclusive policies in Myanmar, emphasizing the specific challenges faced by women in conflict zones.
  • Mobilize the campaign for policy changes to include provisions for women's health, rights, and protection in areas affected by ethnic conflict and persecution.
  • Organize joint events, panel discussions, and webinars focusing on women's rights, featuring experts and activists in the field.
  • Organize community screenings and discussions to raise awareness about the Rohingya crisis and encourage local activism.
  • Forge partnerships with NGOs and humanitarian agencies specializing in healthcare, refugee support, and human rights.
  • Mobilize a campaign to advocate for policy changes, calling on governments and international bodies to address the human rights violations in Myanmar.
  • Facilitate meetings with policymakers and lawmakers to present the documentary and its findings, emphasizing the urgency for diplomatic intervention.
  • Establish a fund or grant system to empower individuals and organizations working on the ground to make a positive impact in their communities.
Contact
Primary contacts
Snow Hnin Ei Hlaing (Myanmar): snow.hnineihlaing@gmail.com
Ulla Lehmann (Germany): mail@amafilm.de

ORGANISATION
IMS-International Media Support

BROADCASTER
PBS/POV

FINANCING
BREAD FOR THE WORLD
WOMEN MAKE MOVIES

FOUNDATION
InMaat Foundation

ORGANISATION
IMS-International Media Support

BROADCASTER
PBS/POV

FINANCING
BREAD FOR THE WORLD
WOMEN MAKE MOVIES

FOUNDATION
InMaat Foundation