MOI Now Accepting License Applications for Expanded List of Film Business Activities

On 17 December 2025, the Myanmar Ministry of Information (“MOI”) announced that the Department of Information and Public Relations (“DIPR”) is accepting license applications for the expanded list of film business activities in accordance with the 20 December 2024 Law Amending the Motion Pictures Law 1996 (the “Amended Law”).

The Amended Law expanded the list of film business activities that require a license. In addition to eight previous activities, the following activities now also require a license:

• Film-making schools
• Film-making equipment rental services
• Film production services
• Film-making studios
• Film special effects (sound and visual) services
• Online cinema and streaming services (Apps)

Previously, the licensing authority was the Myanmar Motion Picture Enterprise. However, under the Amended Law, the authority to issue licenses to film businesses now rests with the MOI. The DIPR is responsible for scrutinizing the license applications and then issuing licenses after approval is given at the ministry level. Licenses are valid for one year and must be renewed annually.

Individuals and companies conducting the above activities should apply to the relevant regional DIPR office to obtain a license to ensure compliance with the Amended Law. Penalties for operating without a license are imprisonment for a term of up to five years, a fine of MMK 2 to 3 million, or both. In addition, any equipment or property related to the business could be confiscated.