Myanmar born, US-raised music student Jaden, makes his way through the crowded streets of Yangon, Myanmar to research his thesis on Burmese traditional music. His guide; beautiful and proud Burmese dancer Hnin Thuzar, accompanies him as he travels through the unique landscape of Bagan, Mandalay and Inle Lake in Shan State.
When he asks for her help locating his birth parents, their journey takes on another dimension. As he gets to know her, their cultural divide becomes more apparent, but it takes a tragic accident to make him realize he’s falling in love with her.
Directed by Christina Kyi, “Mudras Calling” is both a personal exploration of birth roots and a love story. Even as he is entranced by Hnin’s beauty, strength and sense of self, his world is thrown into turmoil. As he explores Myanmar, discovering the timeless landscapes and the deep rooted faith of its many tribes, he finds out unexpected truths about himself. While Jaden is provoked to question his own world view, Hnin fights for her life after a terrible accident. By saving her, he’s able to save himself.
Whether they can overcome their differences is an open question, but the ‘mudras’ of the title - hand gestures that call out to Buddha, seem to beckon him back to Myanmar. From the medicine man to the musicians, as the love story unfolds against life and death, we travel in our own way through the history of this long hidden country – Myanmar.
Myanmar
Charlotte puts Rochester in the rear view as she runs away from her husband. She has never been on her own and doesn't know if she'll make it as her resources are stripped away. She meets diverse women who offer connection, insight, and laughter on the road to Florida and a possible new life.
United States
Ours has been called the age of loneliness. Immersed in our own echo chambers, our very health is being impacted by social isolation. Despite advances in technology, living conditions, education and healthcare, we seem to be unhappier than ever. At the same time, modern urban lifestyles are destroying our sense of community.
Why are we all so disconnected? Making a link between the various causes, this film asks what community wellbeing means to us and why it even matters. On a journey through the cities of North America, wellness expert Tamer Soliman learns that where we choose to live, what we choose to value, and with whom we choose to spend our time can have a profound impact on our health and happiness.
Meeting with not only experts but also ordinary people on the streets of Toronto, Vancouver and Los Angeles, Tamer discovers the truth in that old nursery rhyme: “The more we get together the happier we’ll be”.
(Cayman Islands)Blue Air is a narrative short film about a young mother and her daughter who gain strength and inspiration from the great outdoors.
Written by Erin Derham and Paul Schattel
http://www.blueairfilm.com