Myanmar: Portraits of Diversity

Commissioned by the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, Myanmar: Portraits of Diversity is a series of short films seeking to stimulate discussion, and move audiences towards recognizing, accepting, and celebrating religious diversity in Myanmar.

Despite the perception of Myanmar as a haven for Buddhism, it has become better known for ethnic and spiritual conflict. These video portraits offer an alternative view of Myanmar. Directed by Kannan Arunasalam, this series presents individuals from Myanmar’s different religious communities, and highlights the inter-faith connections and engagement that take place naturally around the country.The films include stories of cooperation across religious and ethnic divides, as well as the capacity for peace leadership within the country.

Includes a post-screening discussion with The Venerable Tayzar Dipati and his translator Khin Khin Lwin.

About the Speaker

The Venerable Tayzar Dipati is a Buddhist monk from Shwebo, northeast of Mandalay. He grew up in the monetary as a young novice monk, and today his chief role is to care for HIV patients and to run the monastery of young monks. He is often called upon by the local community to help dispel rumors before they grow out of control, and to prevent outbreaks of local violence. He has strong links to the other religious communities in the area and fosters inter-religious understanding.

Khin Khin Lwin a practitioner with an educational and professional focus on education and conflict transformation, Khin Khin has collaborated with practitioners, youth organizations, community schools and community-based organizations in the Philippines, Malaysia, Cambodia, France, India and most especially, in her native country, Myanmar. Her on-going learning includes understanding mechanisms of violence and non-violent action, and insights into peace education and education for peace, dialogue, truth-telling, healing and reconciliation processes.