In a groundbreaking moment for Myanmar's film industry, the acclaimed movie "The Only Mom" has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the very first Myanmar film to be featured on the global streaming platform, Netflix. Thai director Chartchai Ketnust, the creative force behind the film, expressed his excitement as his work found its way onto the screens of audiences worldwide.
"The Only Mom" (Burmese: လိပ်ပြာစံအိမ်, romanized: Leik Pyar San Eain) is a 2019 Burmese horror film that features Nine Nine, Wutt Hmone Shwe Yi, Daung, and Pyae Pyae in the lead roles. Produced by Brave Empire Film Production, the film premiered in Myanmar on February 8, 2019, and quickly emerged as one of the highest-grossing Burmese films of that year. Its popularity extended beyond Myanmar, with screenings taking place in Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and other countries. Within just nine days of its release, the movie garnered hundreds of thousands in earnings.
While the Myanmar Motion Picture Organization remained uninformed about the film's Netflix debut, industry insiders highlighted that the production company held the rightful authority to distribute its content beyond national borders.
The impact of "The Only Mom" extended beyond Myanmar, reaching audiences across various Asian countries including Thailand, Singapore, and Viet Nam. It quickly earned a reputation as one of Myanmar's most spine-chilling horror films, drawing praise not only for its actors' performances but also for its masterful filmmaking techniques, sound design, and evocative background score.
The film's remarkable success was undeniable. Within a mere nine days of its domestic release, "The Only Mom" amassed a staggering K1,000 million at the box office, solidifying its place as Myanmar's highest-grossing film to date. As its popularity transcended borders, the film's global earnings climbed to an impressive US$4.8 million, marking a significant achievement for Myanmar's cinematic landscape.
Synopsis
The storyline revolves around a family of three who relocates to a colonial-style mansion in Yenangyaung. The house holds a collection of unique ancient photographs. Following their move, the couple's daughter, who used to be disobedient, undergoes a drastic change in behavior and becomes diligent, but peculiar. The girl starts sleeping during the day and waking up at night, leaving her mother perplexed. As a mother, she must grapple with these unsettling issues and uncover the connection between these strange events and the afterlife. The film promises an enthralling exploration of the supernatural.
Awards
Recognizing its excellence, "The Only Mom" clinched six prestigious accolades at the 2019 Asian Academy Creative Awards held in Singapore. This triumphant feat further underscored the film's artistic brilliance and its enduring impact on the film industry.
"The Only Mom" film emerged as the winner of two prestigious awards at the Asian Academy Creative Awards in 2019. It received recognition at both the regional level and the grand final of the event.
With its pioneering venture onto Netflix, "The Only Mom" not only etched its name in Myanmar's cinematic history but also achieved remarkable international acclaim. As the film continues to captivate audiences worldwide, it stands as a testament to the power of storytelling and the potential for Myanmar's film industry to make an indelible mark on the global stage."
At the Asian Academy Creative Awards (Regional) 2019, "The Only Mom" claimed victory in its category, showcasing the film's exceptional storytelling, direction, and performances. This recognition highlights the film's impact within the Asian film industry, as it competed against other outstanding entries from the region.
Additionally, "The Only Mom" film continued its winning streak at the Asian Academy Creative Awards (Grand Final) 2019. This accolade signifies the film's remarkable quality and its ability to captivate audiences on a grand scale. Winning at the grand final of such a prestigious award platform further solidifies the film's place as a standout production within the Asian film landscape.
The recognition received by "The Only Mom" at the Asian Academy Creative Awards is a testament to the hard work, creativity, and talent of the cast and crew involved in bringing this film to life. It showcases the film's ability to resonate with audiences and its impact on the wider film industry.