Asia-Europe Cultural Festival: 2024 Closing Curtain | Pyo Chit Lin (My Darling)

A heartfelt silent film showcasing the vibrancy of the 1950s Myanmar cinema, set to live music performed by Malaysian composer and musician, Kent Lee.

	Film screening with live music Friday, 27 September 2024 7:00 PM Oldham Theatre, Singapore Countries: Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore

Pyo Chit Lin (My Darling) is one of the very few Myanmar classics still in existence and is the country’s earliest surviving colour film from 1950. The romantic comedy revolves around two friends who move to Yangon to look for work. They meet a beautiful young woman, Kyu Kyu, who despite her wealth possesses a humble nature that attracts the attention of several suitors, including a police officer, an air force captain, and a writer. Starring many of the major Burmese actors of the time, the film is a precious document of the prolific and vibrant movie industry in Myanmar then.

The film was restored by the Asian Film Archive in collaboration with the MEMORY! Cinema Association in 2017, using a sole-surviving 16mm release print. Its restoration underscores the critical importance of film preservation and enables preservation efforts for future generations.

Leading lady, Kyu Kyu, in Pyo Chit Lin (My Darling), 1950

Pyo Chit Lin will be screened at the Oldham Theatre on 27 September with both Burmese and English subtitles, accompanied by a newly composed music performed live by Malaysian artist Kent Lee. Taking inspiration from the original soundtrack, the musician has crafted a new score carefully designed to enhance the visuals, mood, and storytelling, creating an atmosphere that connects deeply with the audience. The score features influences of traditional Burmese instruments with touches of contemporary electronics. The live performance adds a dynamic quality to the evening, making the screening a one-of-a-kind event. The combination of live music and cinema elevates both art forms, creating an unforgettable sensory journey.

Prior to the screening, an introduction to the film, the process of its preservation and the new score will be delivered by the Asian Film Archive and Kent Lee at 6:45pm.

THE ARTIST

Kent Lee is a sound artist, composer, and award-winning music designer based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Known for his innovative approach to blending acoustic and electronic sounds, Kent’s work spans across dance, theatre, and multidisciplinary art, with performances both in Malaysia and internationally. He has received multiple accolades, including the Best Music & Sound Design awards at the 2019 BOH Cameronian Arts Awards and the 2024 ADA Drama Awards for The Brotherhood. Since 2018, Kent has been collaborating with the Singaporean contemporary dance company T.H.E Dance Company, contributing as a composer and sound designer to several acclaimed projects. Additionally, Kent is a cofounder of Shaman Tearoom, a collective integrating sound, music, tea ceremonies, and contemporary art, and is a partner in HaBa - the handpan and bass duo.

Film director: U Tin Myint

Live music: Kent Lee

Scan the QR code below or click HERE to book your tickets!

The event is part of the Asia-Europe Cultural Festival 2024, organised by the Asia-Europe Foundation - ASEF with the financial support of the European Union and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark.  For the full programme, CLICK HERE.