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Guardians of Paradise

Synopsis

An intimate glance into the Burmese life and culture in the months preceding the 2021 military coup.

Review

5/5
A heartwarming portrait of the people of Myanmar.
Directed by Ivan Maria Friedman, ‘Guardians of Paradise’ is a short poetic documentary that observes the people of Bagan, Myanmar – prior to the 2021 military coup d’état. The coup was later rejected by the population and sparked civil disobedience, protests, and enduring armed resistance to military rule. This film exhibits the spirit of the nation; the picturesque landscapes, deep rooted history and culture, and above all else – the charming civilians as they go about their daily lives. A heart-warming documentary that acts as a tribute to the people of Myanmar.

Throughout the 11-minute film (which omits interviews, dialogue or voice-over narration), we explore the conventional routine life of the Bagan residents. Tranquility, peace and harmony is poignantly conveyed from start-to-finish, as it captures the people – young and old – living, working, and in recreation. In spite of their cordial demeanor, the people have suffered decades of struggles – which is testament to their perpetual resilience and dignity.

Guardians of Paradise Short Film e1669483420335
Ivan Maria Friedman deserves high acclaim and appreciation for this beautiful portrait of the Myanmar people. An endearing watch that is certain to spark further intrigue. The cinematography is truly remarkable – a well-deserved salute to Friedman’s technical/artistic craftmanship. A documentary that shouldn’t be overlooked. Highly recommended viewing.

Cast/Crew

Director(s): Ivan Maria Friedman
Writer(s): Ivan Maria Friedman
Cast:
Producer(s): Ivan Maria Friedman
Director of Photography: Ivan Maria Friedman
Animation (if applicable):

Specifications

Genre:
Subjects: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Country:
Language: English
Year: 2021
Runtime: 12 min

Recommended

3/5

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Gullped Down

An independent natural history short-film on the surprising rabbit-eating behaviour of Great black backed gulls, in Skokholm Island (Wales)….
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Cast/Crew

Director(s): Ivan Maria Friedman
Writer(s): Ivan Maria Friedman
Cast:
Producer(s): Ivan Maria Friedman
Director of Photography: Ivan Maria Friedman
Animation (if applicable):

Specifcations

Genre:
Subjects: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Country:
Language: English
Year: 2021
Runtime: 12 min

Recommended

5/5

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A short documentary about the Masaai community and their effort to conserve all African wildlife and preserve the landscape….
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Zeke Owen is a legend in Tattoo History. Along with Sailor Jerry Collins and Ed Hardy, he introduced the Japanese “big work” style into Western Tattooing in the 1960s. Michael Houghton shot this extended portrait of Zeke on 16mm film between 1969 and 1973 in Seattle and Vancouver, but…

Guardians of Paradise

Synopsis

An intimate glance into the Burmese life and culture in the months preceding the 2021 military coup.

Review

A heartwarming portrait of the people of Myanmar.

5/5
Directed by Ivan Maria Friedman, ‘Guardians of Paradise’ is a short poetic documentary that observes the people of Bagan, Myanmar – prior to the 2021 military coup d’état. The coup was later rejected by the population and sparked civil disobedience, protests, and enduring armed resistance to military rule. This film exhibits the spirit of the nation; the picturesque landscapes, deep rooted history and culture, and above all else – the charming civilians as they go about their daily lives. A heart-warming documentary that acts as a tribute to the people of Myanmar.

Throughout the 11-minute film (which omits interviews, dialogue or voice-over narration), we explore the conventional routine life of the Bagan residents. Tranquility, peace and harmony is poignantly conveyed from start-to-finish, as it captures the people – young and old – living, working, and in recreation. In spite of their cordial demeanor, the people have suffered decades of struggles – which is testament to their perpetual resilience and dignity.

Guardians of Paradise Short Film e1669483420335
Ivan Maria Friedman deserves high acclaim and appreciation for this beautiful portrait of the Myanmar people. An endearing watch that is certain to spark further intrigue. The cinematography is truly remarkable – a well-deserved salute to Friedman’s technical/artistic craftmanship. A documentary that shouldn’t be overlooked. Highly recommended viewing.

Recommended

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