Five PDF groups threaten actors featured in election awareness film
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Htet Nadi (NP news) - October 29
On October 28, five PDF groups issued a threatening letter targeting actors who appeared in a short film encouraging citizens to participate in the upcoming election.
The groups involved are Yangon Army (YA), Dark Shadow, Operation Flame (OF), Mother Son Yangon Force, and Broken System.
The election awareness film, is set in the post-February 2021 period and features performances by 17 actors, including several well-known artists.
The film depicts various challenges faced by individuals during this period. It shows teachers continuing their work despite adversity, doctors providing medical care under difficult circumstances, and civilians being accused by opposition groups for routine activities such as attending events or commuting.
The storyline also highlights people being labeled as traitors due to personal grievances, the consequences of posting election-critical content on social media—including threats, intimidation, and legal action and attempts to disrupt the electoral process, such as bomb threats, which impede citizens from exercising their right to vote.
The actors involved in the film were specifically threatened by the five PDF groups, who called for a boycott and social punishment against them. The groups also warned that any future actions or activities by these actors would be treated as matters for public “judgment” and that severe measures could be taken.
Previously, in Yangon, artists such as actors Yan Aung and Yin Latt experienced bomb explosions in front of their residences, while Yone Lay’s vehicle was damaged by a bomb. Additionally, singer Lili Naing Kyaw was shot and killed by PDFs under accusations of being a “Dalan” (traitor).
Since February 2021, individuals from the arts, cinema, and literature sectors who attended government-organized events have frequently faced threats and intimidation.
On the other hand, some artists who publicly support the resistance, raise funds, and then live comfortably abroad using those funds often receive public support. In reality, these artists are primarily encouraging young people inside the country to take dangerous revolutionary paths, while focusing on securing their own well-being and exploiting political situations for personal gain. –