Photographing Tyranny
Nyein, a trailblazer in traditional Burmese culture, confesses, "I follow my own path." Cultivating this attitude during the democratic transition, she has become a pioneering female photojournalist, capturing the military's oppressive actions. Despite her success, gender discrimination still follws her. During the coup, she captured a photograph of a tank in Nay Pyi Daw, which became a crucial image in confirming the military's presence, even as they denied it. Then in Yangon, she documented the non-violent protest movement, putting herself in danger as a female journalist. On March 14th, 2021, in Hlaing Thayar, she was trapped among protesters when the military suddenly opened fire. Dealing with the trauma from this incident would lead to a mental breakdown. She turned to meditation, aromatherapy, and medication to cope. But ultimately, due to an increased police presence and her growing reputation, she couldn't stay in Myanmar any longer. Now in Thailand, Nyein declares, "If you're truly passionate about photography, follow your dreams, regardless of gender or sexual orientation." Listen to the full interview with her to hear more about her amazing story.
“The police, they would even show photos of me and of my name in my neighborhood! ”
“When the coup happened, a lot of the media people were in really harsh shape. But as I'm a photojournalist, it was hard for me because I have a lot of pressure from everything around me. My family told me that I shouldn't take photos, and to just come back home. My dad called a couple of times a day to check if I'm okay, and where I am and what am I doing? My mom and my dad, they were always telling me in every phone call, ‘Please don’t take photos anymore! It's really dangerous for you.’
So, my parents, they didn't really want me to take photos, or want me to continue my job, but on the other hand, I wanted to. I wanted to cover the histories of Myanmar. Because the coup will be will be the biggest news that I cover in my photojournalism life. So at that time, I thought, professionally, ‘This is a great opportunity that I have! I can contribute to a lot of international news.’ So, at the time, I’d even fight with my parents, but in the end, they supported me. They told me to take care of myself in the projects and to not get arrested. Also for me, I'm a girl photojournalist; so, every time when I would go to the protest, I was really noticeable, because I think there were like three or four girl photojournalists in Myanmar during the coup.
But after the police crackdown and everything that really happened violently, I think there was only only me left still taking photos. So, I was really noticeable and bold during the crowds. Like that. And the police, they would even show photos of me and of my name in my neighborhood! I used to say stay in Sanchaung neighborhood where the [protests] happened. But my landlord, and even my friends - I shared a flat with two of my friends - and after that happened, I think they are not really comfortable staying with me. So, I have to move a lot of places.”