This prison where I live

Sunday October 2nd 2011 | 13.00 
De Balie | Kleine zaal
English Spoken
In combination with Into the Current: Burma's Political Prisoners

England – 52 min – 2011  

How’s the life of an artist whose weapons are satire, films, books, poetry and comedy? This Prison Where I Live gives the answer. The film is about two comedians who live in different worlds. Maung Thura, better known as Zarganar, is Burma’s greatest living comedian. Relentlessly victimized by the Burmese military junta, he is now in prison. Michael Mittermeier, in dark contrast, is free to practice his art of humor and provocation as one of Germany’s leading stand up comedians.

Filmmaker Rex Bloomstein secretly filmed Maung Thura for two days in 2007 – at great risk to himself. This footage remained unused until this movie. Hearing of Maung Thura´s fate and seeing the footage, Michael joined with producer Rex Bloomstein to make a film about this man who has paid such a price for speaking out against the regime. Together with a small team, they travelled secretly to Burma.

The director wanted the world to experience his humility, his identification with the ordinary people of Burma and his fearless opposition to the generals. 

Directed and written by: Rex Bloomstein
With: Michael Mittermeier and Zarganar
Cinematography: Alexander Boboschewsk
Editing: Paul Binns