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A Farmer's Tale

Finding alternatives to growing opium in northern Myanmar

Synopsis

A Farmer's Tale offers an insight into the life of a former opium poppy grower in the Pa-O region of Myanmar's southern Shan State. Strikingly photographed, this short documentary shows how local NGO, Metta Development Foundation, is helping this farmer and others like him to develop viable alternatives to growing opium and earn a living from a harsh, unyielding land.

The Metta Development Foundation is a local non-governmental organisation established in 1998 to help communities in Myanmar evolve into self-reliant, peaceful societies through social and economic growth. As a result of Metta's Farmer Field School programme, over 3,523 farmers in northern Myanmar have disengaged from opium cultivation; moreover, no fewer than 2,693 acres of land previously used for poppy fields is now completely free from opium cultivation.

Director's Biography

Lay Thida has worked as a director and producer for a number of different organisations including the EU, ActionAid Myanmar, Metta Foundation, International Rescue Committee, the British Council and WaterAid creating audio-visual material for advocacy, promotion, education and awareness purposes.pe

Screenings

October, 2010
Doi Saket Film Festival
Thailand
September, 2010
Thai International Short Film Festival
Bangkok, Thailand

Director's Filmography

2011

12‘0‘‘

2011

Director / Editor

12‘22‘‘

2011

Director

18‘50‘‘

2009

Director/Editor

18‘45‘‘

2009

23‘0‘‘

2008

Director/Editor

15‘59‘‘

2007
A Farmer’s Tale

Director / Editor

18‘18‘‘

2007

22‘22‘‘

2006
A Sketch of Wathone

Sound Recordist

15‘58‘‘

2006
The Uninvited Guest

Sound Recordist

13‘49‘‘

2006

Director/Editor

13‘5‘‘

2005
Peace Of Mind

Sound Recordist

10‘11‘‘

Sound Recordist

15‘20‘‘

The Long Way Home

Director / Editor

8‘15‘‘

Pictures

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