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Franz Kafka Festival in Yangon

From June 19 to June 23 2019, The Franz Kafka Festival, organized by the Czech Embassy in close cooperation with the Goethe Institute and other partners  - Japan Foundation, the Embassy of Switzerland, the French Cultural Institute and PEN Yangon, took place in Yangon.

Myanmar public was shown thematic films, visitors could see an exhibition of paintings inspired by Franz Kafka and read the translations of his books. Theatrical performances were prepared as well and the audience could even immerse themselves in the virtual reality of Kafka's world. All these parts of the programme were accompanied by follow-up discussions and a symposium featuring lecturers from Thailand and Germany.


This special cultural event has met with exceptional public acceptance, especially since Kafka for many people of Myanmar means a symbol of struggle against bureaucracy, usurping systems, autocracy and authoritarianism that Myanmar/Burma has "enjoyed" for decades and which, in a way, like many other countries of the world, is still experiencing in present.

Before the country's first democratic elections in 2015, Kafka resonated in the life of the local opposition and for many intellectuals he has become an icon of searching inside themselves and then finding the bitter reality of life in a country without freedom.

The unprecedented participation of young people at the festival's events was a surprise for all organizers. Remarkable interest was also shown by 50 Myanmar artists and their desire to contribute their paintings free of charge for the exhibition that was part of the festival.
 

It is also worth noting that, unlike Thailand and Vietnam, where Franz Kafka was also presented in the past and regarded as a purely German writer, in Myanmar he was rather perceived in the Czech Republic context.

Welcome to Franz Kafka's Virtual World!

Welcome to Franz Kafka's Virtual World!

Seminar with many interesting insights - how do Asians perceive Franz Kafka?

Seminar with many interesting insights - how do Asians perceive Franz Kafka?

 

There was a panel discussion after each film's screening.

There was a panel discussion after each film's screening.

 

Kafka influenced paintings were created on the spot.

Kafka influenced paintings were created on the spot.