In Myanmar there is a parallel spiritual practice, which co-exists with the orthodox Theravāda Buddhism, which involves charms, potions and contact with spiritual forces, which only certain people have access to: they are known as weizza, or wizards, and they play an increasingly important part in Myanmar life.
The relationship between the weizzas and the Buddhist monastics is examined, and includes interviews with some prominent wizards about their beliefs, and how they feel they have helped people in various ways, from love potions, to healings, to guidance on a better life.
This report began just a couple of months before the military coup of 2020. As they were making the film the coup took place and a number of the wizards started declaring themselves against the coup, and were subsequently arrested, or had to go underground to survive.
On the other hand there are wizards who have been helping the military, and even advising them to “shoot protestors”. This short film looks at all these complex forces in this world of unseen power.
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to see an album of screenshots click here