Myanmar's storied film industry gears up for a sequel

Yangon

WITH turquoise columns propping up a pink and yellow portico, Myanmar's art deco style Thwin cinema is a rare relic from a golden age of movie-making that dazzled audiences more than half a century ago. Myanmar's film industry, once the most vibrant and prolific in the region, shrivelled under a military regime that smothered the arts and ravaged the economy during its ruthless 50-year reign.

Now, as the fledgling democracy emerges from the doldrums of junta rule, the stage is set for a film industry renaissance. But the first step is repopulating the poor country with cinemas.

In its heyday, Myanm…