Myanmar Movie Star MH — Portrait Photography Blog

MH is the first well-known actor I’ve photographed. He may not be famous internationally, but he’s a major star in Myanmar. During his trip to Singapore, I served as his photographer, and over time we became close friends.

You might wonder: “With all the conflict in Myanmar, are they still making movies?” Yes, they are. Film production continues, and cinemas are still open in Yangon, the capital. TV stations still air entertainment programs as well.

Despite ongoing civil war, MH still prefers living in Myanmar. Not just because it’s his homeland, but because of how he perceives life there. When we crossed the street together, he pointed out the hurried, solemn expressions on people’s faces—no smiles, no energy. He feels that life has slipped into a monotonous routine of work, money, and survival, devoid of deeper meaning. Yet, in Myanmar, despite its underdevelopment, personal connections are more frequent and warm—life feels more flavorful. They may lack modern facilities, but they are filled with genuine happiness.

I felt the same way. Although many places are impoverished, people’s faces glow with joy. In contrast, people in developed cities, burdened by loans, work stress, and distant relationships, seem to have lost their sense of fulfillment. Isn’t that worth reflecting on?

If you'd like to see more of MH’s portraits, please visit the Portraits section of my gallery.