YANGON, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar is preparing to organize a grand centenary celebration of its motion picture industry on Oct. 13, according to the Information Ministry.

The centenary celebration will be launched with the aim of portraying the significance of Myanmar motion picture, honoring artistes and technicians in the film industry and bringing about the development of the industry in the future through the unity of film community including the old and new generations, Minister of Information Pe Myint told the first preparatory meeting for the upcoming event on Saturday.

Yangon Region Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein voiced support of the celebration, while Chairman of the Myanmar Motion Picture Organization U Zin Wine called on youths of the community to take part in the celebration and suggested the holding of a relevant workshop.

Myanmar is striving for its movie development with an aim toward reaching the quality of regional and international movies.

In March, the Myanmar Motion Picture Organization presented 12 motion picture academy awards for the year 2018 to winners, most of whom are new-faced artistes, after selecting 83 movies from 159 produced in the year.

The awards include that of lifetime achievement, best film, director, screenplay, leading actor and actress, supporting actor and actress, cinematography, music, sound and editing.

The film academy award presentations were annually held since 1952 to encourage domestic film production and bring up its quality.