Join COCO+
(Original) Pics or It Didn’t Happen: Knock-off films ineligible for Myanmar Academy Awards
Myanmar’s film industry is infamous for its, um … shall we say “lax” approach to pesky issues of copyright. With the market closed off from outside productions by decades of junta rule though, it’s unsurprising that a homegrown industry centering on direct ripoffs of foreign titles thrived. The Myanmar Motion Picture Organisation (MMPO) is now ...
Thai film dedicated to Rohingya wins best film at Venice Film Festival
A Thai film dedicated to the Rohingya people won a top prize at the Venice Film Festival last weekend. Manta Ray (Kraben Rahu in Thai) won the Orizzonti Award for Best Film on...
Myanmar freestyle rap champion to be crowned this weekend
Sixteen freestyle rappers from around Myanmar will compete in Yangon this weekend at The Showdown Freestyle Battle, hosted by Full Stop. The competition will be judged...
Why is Westlife so popular in Myanmar?
Before I moved to Myanmar, I didn’t know who Westlife was. That’s not because I don’t have opinions on boy bands—I’m a Backstreet Boys boy all the way. I even have a...
‘Mudras Calling’ actor Zenn Kyi wants to end Myanmar’s ‘copying’ culture
Actor Zenn Kyi has recently become the darling of the Myanmar film world with his breakout role in Mudras Calling. His newfound fame brings with it obsessive fans who are hungry...
Video for catchy Thingyan anthem takes aim at sexual harrassment
Thingyan season is once again upon us, and Thingyan songs, from the classics to the newest releases, can be heard in taxis, shopping malls, and gym playlists all over the country....
‘Voices for Wildlife’ music festival coming to Yangon April 7
The group that has quickly enlisted the public in the fight against poaching in Myanmar is still at it, this time by organizing a free, public music festival in Yangon to...
Myanmar actress forswears romance, wins fans’ hearts
Myanmar actress Na Wa Yut won the admiration of her fans after declaring in a recent interview that she has no time or desire for romance. In the now-viral interview with Myanmar...
Actress Phway Phway copies Dua Lipa’s dress, sparks debate about Myanmar fashion
Award-winning Myanmar actress Phway Phway sparked public debate about her country’s fashion industry last week after showing up to a Yangon event in a dress identical to the one...
Musicians from stuffy Singapore seek creative freedom in Myanmar
What are two English-singing Singaporean musicians to do when their ambitions outgrow their hometown? Try getting famous in Myanmar, of course. Zephyr Khambatta, a Singaporean...