WIDE ANGLE | Eyes of the Storm | PBS

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/wideangle/episodes/eyes-of-the-storm/introduction/5327/ On the heels of Burma's release of an American prisoner and extension of the house arrest of pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, WIDE ANGLE tells the story of orphans left to fend for themselves in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis.

On May 2, 2008, Cyclone Nargis made landfall on Burmas southern coast as a Category 4 storm. Winds of 130 miles per hour raged all night, and storm surge drowned much of the Irrawaddy Delta in over 12 feet of water. Whole villages vanished, at least 130,000 people died, and two million were left homeless, making this storm the worst natural disaster in Burmas history. Among the survivors were thousands of children orphaned or separated from their parents.

Through the eyes of the Burmese filmmaking team who shot undercover for over 10 months in defiance of the ruling juntas media blackout, WIDE ANGLE provides a rare window into one of the worlds most secretive countries. The hour-long documentary also features American and British journalists who have reported from Burma and speak of its history and the hopes and fears for its future.

The film premieres this week; broadcast times vary so check your local listings: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/wideangle/schedule/

Also online: See a preview of the film, learn about the major turning points of Burma's history, view an audio slideshow about aid workers imprisoned after providing assistance to storm survivors, and watch an Aaron Brown interview with New York Times reporter Neil MacFarquhar about pro-democracy leader Aung San Sui Kyi. All at http://www.pbs.org/wnet/wideangle/episodes/eyes-of-the-storm/introduction/5327/

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Burma
• Aung San Suu Kyi
• Cyclone Nargis
• Wide Angle