Glimpses of the new Myanmar

Earlier this year, 30 leading photographers from 11 different nations were offered a challenging assignment: capture the Myanmar of today as it emerges from five decades behind closed doors.

The fruits of that seven-day-assignment are contained in 300 stunning photos in "7 Days in Myanmar", a coffee book that is being launched today at the Chartroom Hotel in Yangon.

During their week of shooting from April 27 to May 4, the lensmen captured the very life and spirit of Myanmar from every angle and in every corner of the country.

The book and the exhibition that accompanies it invite the viewer to witness the challenges and process of documenting one of the world's most exciting destinations. From Yangon and Nay Pyi Taw to remote destinations in the hills and coastal regions, the captivating diversity of this ancient land is introduced.

Wandering through Yangon's downtown streets and Mandalay's handicraft centres, above the temple-dotted plains of Bagan and on the waters of Inle Lake, the photographers have created a portrait of a nation full of natural beauty, old world charm, deep spirituality and new hope.

Among 30 photographers are two Thais - Athit Perawongmetha from Reuters and freelance underwater photographer Nat Sumanatemeya. Nine local lensmen also joined this project, among them Aung Pyae, Kaung Httet, Soe Zeya Tun, Kyaw Kyaw Winn and Thet Htoo.

Featuring essays on Myanmar's history and culture as well as the outstanding original photographs, "7 Days in Myanmar" shows why the world is watching Myanmar and why Myanmar is ready for the world.

The coffee table book includes a forward by Dr Thant Myint-U, an introduction to Myanmar by veteran Associated Press journalist Denis Grey, a fascinating essay on 19th-century photography in colonial Burma by British Library historian John Falconer, captions by historian Dr Thaw Kaung and journalist Patrick Winn, and a look behind-the-scenes by the book's general editor Nicholas Grossman.

Adding to the delight of the book is a 47-minute DVD covering the behind-the-scene-process.

It features interviews with the writers - Dr Thant Myint-U and Dr Thaw Kuang - and provides an insight into Myanmar's rich past and culture.

VISION OF YANGON

< The book "7 Days in Myanmar" will be launched today at the Chatrium Hotel in Yangon along with an exhibition of photos. It continues through December 8.

< The book and a 47-minute behind-the-scenes video about it together cost US$60 (Ks 58,920) at www.7DaysInMyanmar.com and, later this month, the video will be in the Apple App Store for free.

source: Eleven Myanmar

http://www.elevenmyanmar.com/culture-lifestyle/4290-glimpses-of-the-new-myanmar