21Jul2025

Making a Difference Building Dreams Creating Impact Saving Lives

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HEAD OFFICE:                          548 Market Street,
San Francisco, CA 94104         USA

PROJECT OFFICE:                  Pearl Condo, Bldg A, 15 Fl., Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd.,      Yangon, Myanmar

hello@marykyapfoundation.org

US: +1 415 991 2030                 US: +1 415 799 8282                    MM: +95 9 977 66 7777

Tag: Charity film

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CORPORATE NEWS

Chairman’s Year-End Reflection

Chairman’s Year-End Reflections

Dr. John Palmer, Chairman – Mary K. Yap Foundation

As we come to the close of another remarkable year, I reflect with deep gratitude on the incredible milestones the Mary K. Yap Foundation has achieved. After a decade of careful planning, our charity film project—born from a vision to elevate unheard voices—came to life with a nationwide theatrical release this December across 65 cinemas in Myanmar. For more than 1,300 orphaned children, representing over 23 orphanages across the country, this was not just a movie screening—it was their very first experience in a movie theater. This unforgettable moment was made possible through our Partners of Hope project, generously supported by our B2B partners and the exceptional individuals who stepped up to ensure these children could experience the wonder of cinema for the very first time.

Our film’s impact extended far beyond borders. It earned recognition from 11 international film festivals. It was nominated twice for the Audience Choice Award—honors granted by two prominent Asian film festivals in our neighborhood: the Silicon Valley Asian Pacific Film Festival and the twenty-year-running DisOrient Film Festival in Eugene, Oregon. At the prestigious Monaco Charity Film Festival, we were honored with both Best Picture and Best Story—testaments not only to the power of storytelling, but to the heart and truth behind our mission. This project was never just about a film. It was about igniting compassion and amplifying the voices of orphan children, giving them a global platform to share their hopes and realities.

This year also marked the launch of our newest humanitarian initiative: the H2OHope clean water campaign. Designed to bring sustainable water solutions to orphanage communities, this program reflects our commitment to long-term wellness and dignity for every child. None of this would be possible without our passionate volunteers, who have stood on the front lines, giving their time and hearts to push every mission forward. Their selfless efforts continue to light the path toward opportunity, healing, and hope.

As Chairman, I am continually inspired by the resilience of the children we serve and the dedication of those who walk beside us.

A Hope for All Orphans means giving them love, support, and opportunities that they need to grow, dream, and succeed, ensuring every child can thrive and reach their full potential,”— Dr. John Palmer.

For 24 years, the Mary K. Yap Foundation has stood committed to this cause. The outlook for 2025 is as exciting as ever, with new initiatives and positive impact programs on the horizon. Together, we are not just changing lives—we are building futures.

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EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Private Screening for Unbroken Ties

Distinguished Guests Attend Private Screening of Charity Film at Mega Ace Cinema

Yangon, Myanmar – We are honored to share the success of a special private screening of our Movie for Charity, held at Mega Ace Cinema and hosted by the Mary K. Yap Foundation in collaboration with Mandalay Productions. This heartfelt event occurred before the nationwide commercial release of Myanmar’s first charity-dedicated film, which is set to premiere in theaters nationwide on December 13, 2024. The screening offered an intimate and meaningful gathering that united distinguished diplomatic and nonprofit community members.

Among the notable guests in attendance were representatives from the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and several members of the diplomatic corps stationed in Myanmar. Their presence not only elevated the occasion but also reinforced the shared global commitment to championing the rights and futures of vulnerable children. The event was a powerful platform to highlight the film’s mission—raising awareness and funds for advancing orphaned children through education, wellness, and long-term empowerment.

Heartfelt exchanges, reflections, and a renewed unity around a shared cause marked the evening. Over light refreshments and a moving film presentation, guests had the opportunity to learn more about the foundation’s work and how the upcoming film serves as both a creative and charitable milestone for Myanmar. More than just a cinematic experience, the screening served as a call to action for those with the means and compassion to uplift those often left behind.

“As we prepare for the film’s public debut, this evening reminds us of the profound impact that art, community, and purpose can create when aligned,” said Peter K. Yap, Executive Director of the Mary K. Yap Foundation. “This film was made with love, driven by purpose, and fueled by the belief that every orphaned child deserves the opportunity to dream and thrive.” We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who attended and stood with us in this vital mission. Together, we are lighting the path forward—one story, one child, and one act of kindness at a time.

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EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Charity Film Premieres in California

Charity Film Premieres in California at SVAPFF with Support from the Burmese American Community

Santa Clara, CA, USA – In a moving display of unity and compassion, Foundation Founder Mary K. Yap and devoted patrons from the Burmese American Catholic Fellowship (BACF)—under the Archdiocese of San Francisco and led by Father Rick Vandewater—graced the California premiere of Unbroken Ties, a powerful charity film dedicated to bringing hope and support to orphaned children in Myanmar. Held during the 10th annual Silicon Valley Asian Pacific Film Festival (SVAPFF), the premiere marked a profound moment for the Burmese diaspora and local supporters, uniting communities in a shared mission of love, remembrance, and global responsibility. The event was completely sold out and drew a diverse audience, including friends, family members, and members of the broader Asian American community.

The Mary K. Yap Foundation, in collaboration with Mandalay Productions, proudly supported Unbroken Ties as part of its global Hope for All Orphans initiative. The film, written by Mary K. Yap and directed by award-winning filmmaker Graham Streeter, tells a profoundly human story that resonates across cultures and borders. It also featured unit direction by Myanmar’s own Grace Swe Zin Htaik, an Academy Award-winning actress and cultural icon, whose involvement lent even greater significance to the project. This creative team brought to life a cinematic expression of resilience, identity, and the enduring strength of children left behind by conflict and loss.

The film’s screening at SVAPFF was not only a creative milestone but a cultural one, as it represented the festival’s ongoing commitment to spotlighting compelling stories by and about the Asian American experience. Unbroken Ties joined a robust lineup of works that gave voice to underrepresented communities, celebrating their struggles and triumphs. While rooted in Myanmar’s orphan crisis, the festival provided an ideal platform for a film that conveys a universal message of hope, healing, and solidarity. This milestone marked the tenth festival appearance for the film, further expanding its reach to audiences committed to global humanitarian efforts through the arts.

Importantly, the premiere brought together the Burmese American community from across the San Francisco Bay Area, reaffirming their role in elevating this humanitarian message to an international stage. Their presence and participation helped amplify the Hope for All Orphans projects, which continue to advocate for the educational and emotional well-being of orphaned children in Myanmar and beyond. As the Foundation looks ahead to future screenings and campaigns, the California premiere is a testament to what can be achieved when storytelling, community engagement, and compassion intersect with purpose and action.