As a fervent supporter of freedom and artistry, I find Na Gyi and Paing Phyo Thu to be truly inspirational figures. Their unwavering commitment to their country, even amidst the tumultuous backdrop of Myanmar’s political upheaval, is a testament to the power of resilience and determination.
Over the last three years, filmmakers Na Gyi and Paing Phyo Thu, based outside of Myanmar, have been tirelessly advocating for the freedom of their homeland.
Prior to the Myanmar military seizing power from the democratically elected government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, 2021, Na Gyi and Paing Phyo Thu were a popular pair in Myanmar’s film industry. She is one of the nation’s most accomplished actresses, he is among its prominent directors. However, their backing of democratic protesters made them targets of the military regime.
Paing Phyo Thu openly supported acts of civil disobedience against the military regime, providing financial aid to workers on strike as a form of protest. She became a beacon of resistance when an image of her at a demonstration, flashing the three-finger salute – a symbol of defiance borrowed from “The Hunger Games” movies – gained widespread attention online. On April 3, 2021, the military government issued arrest warrants for her and Na Gyi, alleging that they were using their popularity to incite civil servants to take part in the protests. Concerned about being apprehended, both individuals decided to leave the country and are currently living in hiding overseas.
Afterward, the pair established an organization called Artists’ Refuge, which is a non-profit dedicated to helping and safeguarding Burmese artists living in exile.
Na Gyi shared with The Hollywood Reporter over Zoom, “There were numerous individuals forced to leave the nation, and among them were countless artists who had to abandon their belongings.” He continued, “Their personal items, their families, their professions, their followers – everything was left behind. The military junta ensured they couldn’t express themselves at home, forbidding them from appearing on TV, radio, social media, and more. Our aim is to help restore their ability to be heard.
A duo established a creative workspace hidden somewhere in Thailand, featuring a recording studio, editing suite, a small library, and shared office space. This sanctuary aims to provide dislocated filmmakers with a platform to create and share their ideas. With over 300 members and still growing, the Artists’ Refuge produces short films, documentaries, music videos, and various other projects, showcasing them on its website and social media platforms like Facebook.
Na Gyi recommends visiting a site where you can view the movies and contribute to the democratic cause in Myanmar. The second short film they produced while in exile, titled “Our Turn“, has been screened in 14 countries and 47 cities worldwide and has been utilized for fundraising for the resistance groups opposing the military regime.
2021 saw the Oldenburg Film Festival, Germany’s premier independent film event, showcase a heartrending tale through Na Gyi’s movie, “What Happened to the Wolf?“, which featured Paing Phyo Thu in its first public screening. The narrative revolved around a romantic relationship between two terminally ill women, portrayed by Paing and Eaindra Kyaw Zin, sparking controversy with the military government due to its LGBTQ+ theme. The film’s trailer garnered significant attention on Oldenburg’s Facebook page, amassing over 1 million views. Despite winning the festival’s Seymour Cassel Award for Best Actress, Eaindra Kyaw Zin was unable to accept the prize in person due to her imprisonment in Myanmar for participating in protests. Meanwhile, Na Gyi and Paing Phyo Thu had already sought refuge elsewhere.
This year, Oldenburg is honoring Myanmar filmmakers by showcasing a collection of their films. Besides “What Happened to the Wolf?”, the retrospective features their first joint feature film from 2019 titled “Mi“. Based on a novel and set in the 1940s, this film stars Paing Phyo Thu as a spirited young woman battling tuberculosis. “Mi” was both critically acclaimed and popular at the box office locally. Additionally, Oldenburg will screen three of their short films: “Guilt“, “Our Turn“, and “My Lost Nation“. All screenings are free for audiences in Oldenburg, with donations accepted to aid the Artists’ Shelter.
According to Paing Phyo Thu, referring to Myanmar by its old name, “The ceremony in Oldenburg significantly aids us since the global community appears to be somewhat less concerned about the Burma predicament.” He hopes that this event will serve as a reminder to the international community that there is still a military takeover ongoing and people continue to endure hardships.
Na Gyi shares that their time in exile since the coup has been challenging, expressing, “Neither of us has known true happiness since then.” He continues, “It’s been three long years now, and everyone is exhausted. We are worn out, the people of Myanmar are weary. Yet, we must persevere in our struggle.
Progress has been made. The People’s Defense Force (PDF), a militia resisting the Junta, has gradually regained control over cities and territories, freeing parts of Myanmar from the grip of the military government.
As a dedicated follower, I can tell you that approximately 27 urban areas nationwide are part of this expanding movement, with numbers fluctuating daily. The revolution, it seems, is persistently gaining momentum.
In these areas, Na Gyi and Paing Phyo Thu have the ability to showcase their films and engage in post-screening question and answer sessions with fans over Zoom.
Na Gyi expresses awe, stating that the supporters, the people of Myanmar, are truly inspiring and help keep them motivated. In one community, an elderly woman, moved by one of their films, gave one of her earrings for the cause of revolution. The earring was auctioned off in the United States, specifically Maryland, and the proceeds were donated to that very village and the PDF (People’s Defense Forces).
Paing Phyo Thu notes that the people of Myanmar are enduring hardships far greater than ours. He urges us all to unite and continue our struggle alongside them.
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2024-09-11 23:25