The Venerable W.

Synopsis

Although they advocate a peaceful, respectful way of life, Burmese Buddhists also have extremists in their ranks. Resolutely committed to the defense of the religious and ethnic traditions of his country, monk Ashin Wirathu (the "Venerable W." ) is undoubtedly the most active and the most vehement of them. The instigator of many armed uprisings against the Rohingya Muslim minority, W. has, however, always enjoyed the protection of the authorities. Through a montage of first-hand interviews, computer graphics and archival footage, filmmaker Barbet Schroeder sheds light on the radical ideology of the nationalist leader and demonstrates his influence in the racial conflicts that have agitated Burma for many decades.

Cast

U. Zanitar, Kyaw Zayar Htun, U. Kaylar Sa, Matthew Smith, Abdul Rasheed