New Documentary Exposes Brutal Military Campaign Against Karen People in Burma

Monday, April 28, 2008
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) April 28, 2008 -- Choices is pleased to announce the release of a new documentary - Prayer of Peace: Relief and Resistance in Burma's War Zones. The film offers a rare look at the Karen people and their struggle to survive in Burma.

Although press reports continue about the ongoing military rule in Burma, also referred to as Myanmar, few are aware of the brutal campaign by the Burmese Army to drive the native Karen from their homeland.

Since the Karen people were one of the few groups to oppose the controversial military coup in 1962, they have been systematically forced from their homes and denied the chance to support themselves. This process known as "Burmization" has been described as a form of genocide as many Karen have died during the ongoing conflict.


An Official Selection of the Amnesty International Film Festival, Prayer of Peace documents the relief efforts of the Free Burma Rangers, a multi-ethnic humanitarian service movement that aids the Karen by providing emergency assistance and human rights documentation.

In the film, American director Matt Blauer illegally crosses the border from Thailand several times to document local relief workers who bring medicine and material aid to those displaced. In his journeys, he meets a nurse devoted to assisting escapees following the death of her parents and a pastor/cameraman who documents human rights abuses. With candid interviews and stunning footage of recent events, the film brings a fresh awareness to an often ignored but important issue in this troubled nation.

When asked what he hopes audiences will gain from watching the film, Blauer said, "In Prayer of Peace, I hope people see the dignity of an ethnic people who have been suffering through decades of civil war in Burma. A people who despite oppression continue to persevere, help each other and hope in the future; lessons for us all."

"Prayer of Peace is moving testament to the courage of the Karen people and we are very excited about releasing this important documentary," commented Gina Draklich, Sr. VP at Choices. "We continually strive to release films that expand our knowledge and improve our understanding of our world."

Prayer of Peace will be available on DVD May 5th, 2008.

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