The Golden Land of Myanmar

The Golden Land of Myanmar from Drow Millar on Vimeo.

This is a film made by Daw Sanda Wadi, an American nun who has been living in Southern Burma for some time, with help by director Drow Millar. A copy also appeared on the website of Tricycle magazine, with this introduction:

"The Golden Land of Myanmar journeys to a place in the world called Suvanabhumi, the Golden Land in the Mon State of Myanmar. This beautiful and auspicious land has remained a hidden treasure, unseen and untouched by the modern world. The film explores several ancient Buddhist pagodas that have only recently been rediscovered and renovated. Surrounding these beautiful historic sites are the monasteries and communities of simple village people who have scarcely changed their way of living over the centuries. It remains a true sanctuary, protecting and nurturing the practice, devotion, and principles of Buddhist doctrine and philosophy. Travel to a timeless place of peace, tranquility, and compassion for a rare glimpse into the majestic depths of an ancient Buddhist land, the Golden Land of Myanmar."

Daw Sanda Wadi has also authored the short book of her experiences From One to Nun, and she has added the following short film synopsis:

"After having traveled to Asia in 2002, and spending time at a remote monastery in the south of Burma, (Daw Sanda Wadi) Shoshana Cathy Korson accepted an invitation from a Venerable monk to ordain as a Buddhist nun in his monastery. She now considers Burma her home and this film has developed over her many years of living in the monastery.So much has been reported about the politics in Myanmar while the sublime and serene life go under reported. It is her love for the simplicity, beauty and refinement that Myanmar so exquisitely exemplifies that drew her to the creation of this film.

The film journeys to a place in the world called Suvanabhumi, the Golden Land the Mon State of Myanmar. This beautiful and auspicious land has remained a hidden treasure, unseen and untouched by the modern world. The film explores this magical land with rare, never before seen beautiful footage of the communities, country side, and the many ancient Buddhist pagodas recently rediscovered and renovated by the abbot of the monastery, the Venerable Kyaithisaung Sayadaw."

The film is being screened at various festivals, including BuddhaFest, Buddhist Festival 2014, Buddhist Film Festival Europe, among others.