Myanmar is known for its rich culture and history, making it a fascinating topic of exploration. Documentaries are the ideal way to learn more about this Southeast Asian country. From stories of struggles to tales of resilience, these 15 documentaries provide an in-depth look into Myanmar’s past, present, and future.
1. The Blood Red Rubies of Burma
The Blood Red Rubies of Burma documentary reveals how the ruby trade affects the lives of Burmese people. It explores the immense wealth that lies beneath their land, rivers and timber, yet not everyone benefits from it. This film shows how these precious gemstones have a huge impact on the country’s economy and its people. Get an inside look at this fascinating story and find out what is really going on behind closed doors!
2. An Unholy Alliance: Monks and the Military in Myanmar
The documentary explores the impact of Buddhism on Myanmar’s identity and culture. It dives into how the teachings at a monastery in Ma Ba Tha promote love, peace, and compassion. However, it also reveals an unfortunate truth – that this variation of Buddhism has become connected to one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises: The Rohingya genocide and persecution. Watch now for more information on this important topic!
3. Rebuilding The Ancient Burma Road
Explore the lives of Burmese people and their connection to the reconstruction of Burma Road in this documentary. Get an inside look at how soldiers, opium growers, prospectors and villagers are affected by the road’s rebuilding process. Also gain insight into its environmental impact. This film offers a unique access to a country that is rarely seen on camera!
4. Myanmar Time Travel by Rail
Experience the unique culture and beauty of Myanmar through a journey by rail! The Mandalay-Lashion Express takes passengers on an incredible trip through Shan State’s hot lowlands, where you can witness first-hand how lives are intertwined due to this train. Despite the lack of infrastructure in some areas, people remain happy and content with their lives. Join us for a once in a lifetime experience that will take your breath away as we explore Myanmar Time Travel by Rail!
5. Myanmar 2020 Road Trip (Inle, Bagan, Mindat)
Are you looking to explore Myanmar’s beauty? Look no further than this documentary! We take a virtual tour of the country, exploring three destinations: Inle, Bagan and Mindat. Discover stunning landscapes, royal vestiges, beautiful waters and religious monuments. Get familiar with hidden corners of the country that locals know only too well. This documentary is perfect for individuals who want to get a taste of Myanmar’s traditions and history – don’t miss out!
6. “Why Has There Been a Coup in Myanmar?” History of Burma/Myanmar 1942-2021
This documentary takes a deep dive into the turbulent history of Myanmar. From its post-colonial era to one of prolonged general dictatorships and military juntas, this video provides an insightful look at how the past has shaped and explained current events in the country. In light of recent news surrounding the military take over, this documentary offers viewers an understanding of why such a coup occurred. This video provides a comprehensive look at the complicated history of Myanmar. From its post-colonial era to one of prolonged general dictatorships and military juntas, this documentary helps viewers understand how the past has shaped current events in the country. With recent news surrounding the military take over, it is more important than ever to gain insight into why such a coup occurred – and that’s what this video offers! Witness an insightful journey through Myanmar’s turbulent history and get up close with how it explains today’s news.
7. The Sad Story Of Myanmar’s Last King: Burma’s Lost Royals
This documentary takes the viewers on a journey into Myanmar’s past. It reveals the story of a family and a country that emerges from colonialism, as well as the death of its King in exile which ended the thousand years of monarchy. As we explore this beautiful country, we experience its atmosphere through captivating visuals and interviews with locals. Discover how Myanmar changed throughout history and learn about its culture today!
8. Myanmar’s Unifying Kingdom: The Mark of Empire
The Bagan Empire was the first to unify Myanmar under one culture and language. In this documentary, host Peter Lee will explore how King Anawrahta overcame difficult conditions to build a dike system that helped transform the empire into an identity of its own. Witness his journey as he discovers how this Burmese identity emerged with its own culture and language!
9. Exploring Myanmar’s Untouched Ancient Temples
This Burma history documentary captures the stories of Burmese people and their environment. It highlights how they have overcome hardships, and shows the stunning ancient temples like the Golden Pagoda. It also presents how Burmese traditionally lived in simple ways before opening up to the outside world. We invite you to join us on a journey through this amazing country as we explore its past and present!
10. Myanmar History and Discovery Documentary
Myanmar is a fascinating country with an incredible history, culture and people. This documentary offers viewers a unique journey to the land, river and people of Myanmar. It highlights some of the changes that have happened in recent years as the country moves forward. From its rich history to beautiful landscapes, this documentary is sure to captivate and energize your curiosity about this amazing place! So join us on this magical introduction into Myanmar – you won’t regret it!
11. The Myin Knights
For centuries, the Burmese cavalry was a major force in Southeast Asia. But despite its documented history, it is largely forgotten in Myanmar today. In this 18-minute documentary, we explore their story and uncover some of its most remarkable aspects. We also take a look at how the Burmese cavalry has been relegated to the background of public imagination and discuss why that is so. Join us as we seek to bring back this once powerful military force into our collective memory!
12. Myanmar’s Unifying Kingdom
Burmese culture and language was unified by the Bagan Empire, which grew into a world-renowned centre of Buddhist learning. In this video, Peter Lee explores King Anawrahta’s legacy – from taming rivers to build canals and weirs that are still used today, to expanding his population through bigger harvests. We learn about how King Anawrahta wanted to turn Bagan into a new Buddhist state while taking part in traditional elephant dances that celebrate Buddhism. Then we follow Peter as he visits a sacred mountain to explore the battle between Buddhism and Myanmar’s indigenous animist gods called Nats. Finally, we see how the temple building left behind by Bagan has led to strong faith among Burmese people today – an identity built upon diverse peoples coming together in one place.
13. 🇲🇲 Myanmar (Burma): a travel documentary
Burma is a stunning country full of friendly and industrious people, despite being one of the poorest places in the world. In this video we explore Yangon, Bagan, Inle Lake and Mrauk-U – four amazing destinations that offer breathtaking views! From experiencing the sunset at Shwedagon Paya in Yangon to exploring 2000 temples in Bagan to sailing down the Irrawady River with local women and sampling some delicious wine near Inle Lake to discovering ancient walls and temples from 1500 – 1600 AD at Mrauk-U. Join us on our journey through Burma as we uncover its hidden gems!
14. Burma Bagan : The City of 3000 Temples
Discover the fascinating history and atmosphere of Burma, a country with a rich cultural heritage. Visit Bagan, an ancient Buddhist archaeological site home to more than 2,000 temples, stupas and pagodas dating back to the 11th and 13th centuries. Admire grand monuments such as Shwezigon Pagoda built by King Anawrahta in 1059 to shelter a jawbone and tooth of Buddha. Explore the beautiful Ananda Temple dedicated to “infinite wisdom” of Buddha or Htilominlo Temple famous for its fine stucco ornaments. Learn about Hindu sculptures carved on spire at Wetkyi Inn Gubyaukgyi Temple or gaze out at the entire old city from ThatbyinnyuPahto temple – all this awaits you in magical Burma!
15. Geography Now! MYANMAR
Explore the beautiful country of Myanmar with Geography Now! Get to know about its culture, people and stunning landscapes. See the traditional way of life in this Southeast Asian nation and learn more about its history and current events. Take a journey through Myanmar’s diverse cities, towns, villages and ecosystems – all packed into one amazing video!
