Ruben en de verborgen strijd van Myanmar

Ruben Terlou travels to a resistance-held area and meets fighters from different generations. He joins a general who has been battling the military dictatorship in the jungle for decades. After the military coup in 2021, many young people also took up arms — including the socialist resistance group URF, made up of young activists whom he follows all the way into the trenches. Meanwhile, just a few kilometers behind the front line, the Burmese New Year is being joyfully celebrated.

The leader of the URF rebels celebrates his birthday with his young comrades, cake, and the singing of communist songs. One of the rebels tells Ruben how he has broken with his family — his father is now his enemy. The local population is fleeing and trying to build some semblance of a new life. How do they care for their children? In an underground clinic, we see a young fighter lose a leg to a landmine. And a resistance doctor explains how the military dictatorship has robbed an entire generation of hope — leaving them with only each other.

What does the future hold for the youth of Myanmar? Ruben witnesses the formation of a well-organized army and police force in rebel territory. He speaks with a remarkable leader of the KNDF rebel army who is committed to equality and freedom for all. A rapper performs songs about the enemy, and through the testimonies of deserters from the government army, we gain insight into how the war is being fought on the other side. Finally, hundreds of young soldiers sing their battle song about freedom.