The director of 'Fruit Gathering', Aung Phyoe, discusses the film's premiere at the Karlovy Vary festival and its exploration of female connections and societal dynamics in Myanmar. Phyoe's personal experiences and observations shaped the narrative, focusing on the complexities of relationships and the challenges of filmmaking in his country.
Phyoe's interest in the 'affection or kindness of others' outside the family, inspired by his upbringing in Myanmar, led to the creation of 'Fruit Gathering'. He highlights the fleeting nature of such relationships in a constantly changing world, drawing from his own experiences. The film centers on the friendship between two young women, San Kyi and Theint Theint Oo, working at a textile factory in Yangon, capturing the challenges and intimacy of their bond.
One of the key aspects of the film is the exploration of female connections. Phyoe observes that queerness among women is more accepted in Myanmar compared to men, and the closeness between women is evident in the film. He notes the presence of other girls in the frame, holding hands and touching each other, showcasing the film's focus on the intricacies of female relationships.
The setting of the textile factory was influenced by Phyoe's father's agricultural work and his own research. As a filmmaker, Phyoe emphasizes the importance of setting the rhythm of the film, which he achieved through his collaboration with cinematographer Thaiddhi. The 4:3 aspect ratio, initially challenging, added to the film's atmospheric and restrained visual style, reflecting the director's familiarity with the world he portrays.
'Fruit Gathering' marks a significant milestone as the first film from Myanmar to premiere at Karlovy Vary. Phyoe acknowledges the challenges of filmmaking in his country, including the lack of support and the need for subtlety in addressing political themes. He aims to develop a national language of cinema, resonating with his own experiences and the complexities of relationships in Myanmar.
