Synopsis
A tyre recycling workshop in South Okkalapa in Myanmar's former capital of Yangon is a site of multiple uses and multiple deaths, for this is the place where defunct tyres are transformed from their original shape and use, and are reborn into new and completely different lives. Filmed almost entirely in black-and-white, this observational documentary gently explores a community of tyre cutters and recyclers, young and old, male and female, as they create with their super-sharp blades, careful eyes and skilful strokes, buckets, brushes and slippers from discarded rubber tyres. And, from time to time, in fleeting yet visceral moments in between their movements, snatched conversation and song, something lyrical, even philosophical emerges, and we are gently reminded of how every death gives way to a birth.
Director's Biography
Editor and director Kyaw Myo Lwin began his career at Yangon Film School (YFS) in 2007. He has since worked as sound recordist and/or editor on many YFS and other productions, including a film about trauma healing after Cyclone Nargis called Hidden Wounds and the short documentary Insein Rhythm. Having premiered at Nyon in Switzerland, this wordless film soon became a festival favourite, as did his directorial debut Tyres – a sumptuously photographed black-and-white observation of a community of tyre recyclers in Yangon which premiered at IDFA in the Netherlands. Silent Talker was his second documentary as director.
Awards & Nominations
Screenings
Director's Filmography
Director
32‘57‘‘